Crisis club Bordeaux reinstated in Ligue 2 – just THREE DAYS before the start of the new season

Former Ligue 1 champions Bordeaux have been reinstated in France’s second division, three days before the start of the new season, after being relegated down to the third tier over financial irregularities.

They were handed a reprieve by the French Football Federation (FFF) on Wednesday after putting together a debt restructuring plan.

Les Girondins were demoted to the second division after finishing bottom of Ligue 1 last season and have reported debts in the region of €40million (£33.7million).  

But they were ordered to be demoted to the third tier due to financial issues and growing debts

French football’s financial watchdog, the National Directorate of Professional Club Management Control (DNCG), found they would be unable to fulfil their financial obligations in the coming season, and ordered they be relegated down another tier to the National League, the third tier of French football.

But a debt restructuring plan with the club’s creditors, plus a capital injection of €10million (£8.4million) from owner Gerard Lopez and a €14million (£11.8million) guarantee from player sales, has seen the FFF agree to Bordeaux playing in Ligue 2 in 2022-23.

The federation has asked the DNCG to exercise reinforced and regular financial control of the club during the season, a statement issued on Wednesday said.

There were several large scale demonstrations against Bordeaux’s relegation in the city

President Gerard Lopez has offered fans free entry to their opening match of the campaign

Lopez has offered fans free entry to their opening match of the season against Valenciennes on Saturday in gratitude for their support of the club in recent weeks. 

There have been several large scale demonstrations against the club’s demotion in the city. 

Bordeaux, who are six-time champions of France and have also won four French Cups, last claimed the top-flight title in 2009.