Girondins de Bordeaux, a French soccer club, has informed the French Football Federation that it will renounce its professional status due to severe financial difficulties. The decision follows their relegation from the French second tier to the semiprofessional third tier. A potential takeover by Fenway Sports Group fell through, exacerbating their financial troubles. This marks the first time since 1937 that Bordeaux will not hold professional status. The club’s financial struggles began in 2021 when its American owners, King Street, withdrew financial support. Bordeaux, six-time Ligue 1 champions with their last title in 2009, will release all current players and staff, making players free agents. The club will face commercial court next week, where its potential dissolution will be considered.
