Bordeaux overcomes the threat of judicial liquidation and prepares for a new era

The commercial court in Bordeaux, France, has approved proposed amendments to the continuity plan of Bordeaux, presented by the prospective new owner, Park Bench, in a crucial step that paves the way for the completion of the acquisition and officially ends the era of businessman Gérard Lopez. This decision also removes the risk of judicial liquidation that threatened the club's future.

The decision comes ten days after the hearing, removing the last outstanding conditions for the acquisition process and granting the green light for the transfer of ownership of the club from López to Park Bench. Bordeaux described the decision as an important milestone in its financial restructuring process, stating in an official statement that it is now able to continue its rebuilding project within a clear framework for the coming years, while committing to its financial obligations and working towards ensuring a sustainable future.

Bordeaux has faced one of the toughest periods in its history under Gérard Lopez's ownership, which began in July 2021, dropping from Ligue 1 to the sixth tier in five years. The decline started with relegation to Ligue 2 in the 2021-2022 season, before the financial crisis worsened and debts accumulated, leading to administrative penalties that included relegation to Ligue 3 and then Ligue 4, coinciding with the club undergoing judicial rescue procedures during the summer of 2024.

Despite the club's previous approach to acquire it from the Fenway Sports Group, owners of Liverpool and the Boston Red Sox, the deal did not materialize. Bordeaux also failed to return to Ligue 3 during the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 seasons, before facing new financial penalties due to its inability to secure funding for the 2026-2027 season, leading to its exclusion from national competitions and a return to the regional first division, which is the sixth level in France.

With the court ruling issued and the specter of liquidation receding, Bordeaux can focus on its rebuilding project. The team currently occupies third place in Group B of the regional first division, having not suffered any defeats since the start of its participation, with three matches in hand. The new management is set to present its project for the club starting Monday, at a time when fan subscriptions have surpassed 4,000 for the current season.