July 27 – On the eve of the new French season, Girondins de Bordeaux have been reinstated to Ligue 2 by the French Football Federation (FFF).
On Saturday, Bordeaux will kick off their season against Valenciennes in the second tier of French football following an FFF vote in favour of the club being allowed to compete in Ligue 2.
In June, Girondins de Bordeaux had been relegated two divisions from Ligue1 to the third tier because of financial problems. That decision was made by French football’s financial watchdog the DNCG, but on Monday the National Olympic Committee (CNOSF) came out in favour of the troubled club, a decision that was backed by the executive committee of the FFF on Wednesday.
“We welcome this decision which is a huge relief for the club and the players as well as the 300 employees, the partners and the supporters who continue in believing in our project and our commitment to defend it,” said Bordeaux’s delegate director-general Thomas Jacquemier.
“Our objective is however clear: to return to Ligue 1 as quickly as possible.”
In the past seasons, Bordeaux has been struggling financially, with M6, King Street and then Gerard Lopez leading the club.
Debts accumulated and the DNCG relegated Bordeaux twice, first to Ligue 2 and then to the third tier. Bordeaux have won six Ligue 1 titles and played in the UEFA Cup final in 1996. The club also reached the Champions League quarter finals in 2009-10.
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