Door financial crisis, Bordeaux plummets to France's sixth tier

Door financial problems, six‑time champion Girondins Bordeaux has been demoted to the regional sixth level of Frankrijk because of payment arrears, the club announced this week. The decision marks a dramatic fall for a side that once dominated French football.

Two years ago the fallen top club lost its professional licence after financial difficulties and was relegated to the fourth level of the French league system.

Formally, the football federation of the Nouvelle‑Aquitaine region must still approve the drop to the sixth level; a refusal could see Bordeaux sink even further in the French pyramid.

In addition to the demotion, Bordeaux now faces an imminent bankruptcy threat. A hearing is scheduled within three weeks, and the club needs roughly nine million euros to avoid insolvency.

Bordeaux last lifted the French league title in 2009. After thirty seasons in the top flight, the club was relegated in 2022 and, two seasons later, was sent down to the third level because of money problems.

The club’s history includes Dutch internationals Richard Witschge and Wim Kieft, who both wore the Bordeaux shirt in earlier years.

French stars such as current national team coach Didier Deschamps and legend Zinédine Zidane also featured for the Girondins during their playing careers.

Bordeaux must now rally financial support and await the Nouvelle‑Aquitaine federation’s decision, as the club fights to preserve its existence and avoid further descent in the French football hierarchy.