Traditional club crashes after former Bayern boss Oliver Kahn

After the failed attempt by former Bayern boss Oliver Kahn to take over the French traditional club Girondins Bordeaux, the club has found a new rescue route: the British investment fund Park Bench is set to take over the club for a symbolic euro and thereby lift the nationwide ban.

The notice published on Wednesday confirmed that a takeover with Park Bench had been agreed and that a looming bankruptcy could be averted.

The purchase is for a symbolic euro, with the new owner assuming all debts, explained the six‑time French champion, which had already been relegated to the sixth division.

In the coming days the new owners are to be heard by the regional control and management commission; this body must approve the ownership change and the budget for the 2026/2027 season before Girondins can officially compete in Regional 1.

Park Bench takes over Girondins Bordeaux for one euro

A commercial court must subsequently review the procedure to legally secure the restructuring.

Oliver Kahn's Failed Takeover

In spring 2025, Oliver Kahn, former German international and former chairman of FC Bayern Munich, had considered a takeover, but after lengthy negotiations in June, after reviewing financial, operational and legal documents, decided against an investment of around 50 million euros and expressed great disappointment.

The club, founded in 1881 in the southwest of France, is among the most prestigious clubs in the country; among its former players are Zinedine Zidane and the Bayern legend Bixente Lizarazu.