BORDEAUX have been relegated to the French third division after Liverpool’s owners backed out of a takeover deal.
The club competed in the Champions League in the 2009/10 season.
The club reached the quarter-finals after beating Bayern Munich and Juventus in the group stage.
Bordeaux’s run to the final was interrupted by Lyon, who lost 4-2 on aggregate.
However, the club will now compete in the Championnat National division after being sanctioned for failing to provide financial guarantees for next season.
A club statement said: “Although discussions have resumed in recent days, FSG representatives indicated yesterday, Monday 22 July, to FC Girondins de Bordeaux and its shareholder their desire not to proceed despite guarantees provided by various interested parties.
“Thus, in the absence of new elements, FC Girondins de Bordeaux withdrew the appeal filed against the DNCG decision of July 9, 2024.
“As a result, FC Girondins de Bordeaux accepts the sanction of administrative relegation within National 1 Championship for the 2024/2025 season and will be called again to present its budget to the DNCG.
“The period that begins should allow FC Girondins de Bordeaux to return stronger and to the highest level.
“The club and its shareholder assure fans and all interested parties of their desire to protect the club’s interests.”
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Fenway Sports Group, which owns Liverpool, was in talks to acquire the club.
However, they have since withdrawn their interest following extensive discussions with the club’s stakeholders.
It is not the first time that the French side has been plunged into financial problems.
In 2021, the club was placed into administration after American owner King Street withdrew financial support.
The club was then purchased by Luxembourgish-Spanish businessman Gerard Lopez.
Bordeaux have won the French title six times in their history and is one of the biggest clubs in the country.
They suffered relegation to Ligue 2 in 2022 and have not yet managed to return to Ligue 1.
Last season they finished 12th in the second division, but now they will have to compete in the third division.
The club has already had some football icons playing for the team, such as Zinedine Zidane, Christophe Dugarry and Jean Tigana.
Current Real Madrid star Aurelien Tchouameni came through the club’s youth academy.
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