Court Confirms Bordeaux’s Relegation To French Sixth Division
Girondins de Bordeaux have officially been relegated to the sixth tier of French football after the Paris Administrative Court upheld sanctions imposed by the French Football Federation (FFF).
The ruling confirms Bordeaux’s exclusion from the national championships, meaning the historic club will compete in Régional 1 during the 2026/27 season following its financial collapse and loss of professional status.
Bordeaux entered bankruptcy proceedings in 2024, leading to severe administrative and sporting consequences. Although former owner Gérard López sold his shares to Sparta Capital for a symbolic one euro, the new investors’ proposed €10.6 million debt settlement plan was not enough to overturn the disciplinary decision.
The court’s verdict means Bordeaux must now begin rebuilding from amateur football, remaining outside France’s professional divisions for the foreseeable future.
Founded on October 1, 1881, Bordeaux is one of France’s most decorated football clubs. The club has won six Ligue 1 titles, four Coupe de France trophies, three Coupe de la Ligue titles and three Trophée des Champions.
Bordeaux also enjoyed a rich European history, reaching the final of the 1995/96 UEFA Cup and featuring in numerous UEFA competitions.
Several legendary players represented the club during its illustrious history, including Zinedine Zidane, Bixente Lizarazu, Christophe Dugarry, Alain Giresse, Mauricio Pochettino, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Jules Koundé.
The decision marks one of the most dramatic falls in modern French football as Bordeaux begin a new chapter from the sixth division.
The ruling confirms Bordeaux’s exclusion from the national championships, meaning the historic club will compete in Régional 1 during the 2026/27 season following its financial collapse and loss of professional status.
Bordeaux entered bankruptcy proceedings in 2024, leading to severe administrative and sporting consequences. Although former owner Gérard López sold his shares to Sparta Capital for a symbolic one euro, the new investors’ proposed €10.6 million debt settlement plan was not enough to overturn the disciplinary decision.
The court’s verdict means Bordeaux must now begin rebuilding from amateur football, remaining outside France’s professional divisions for the foreseeable future.
Founded on October 1, 1881, Bordeaux is one of France’s most decorated football clubs. The club has won six Ligue 1 titles, four Coupe de France trophies, three Coupe de la Ligue titles and three Trophée des Champions.
Bordeaux also enjoyed a rich European history, reaching the final of the 1995/96 UEFA Cup and featuring in numerous UEFA competitions.
Several legendary players represented the club during its illustrious history, including Zinedine Zidane, Bixente Lizarazu, Christophe Dugarry, Alain Giresse, Mauricio Pochettino, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Jules Koundé.
The decision marks one of the most dramatic falls in modern French football as Bordeaux begin a new chapter from the sixth division.
