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Liverpool Owners Pulls Out Of Talks To Buy Relegated Bordeaux
On Tuesday, Bordeaux’s troubles escalated as Fenway Sports Group (FSG), the owners of Liverpool, revealed that they have terminated talks with the French club which is facing relegation to the third tier.
Bordeaux, which is appealing its demotion from Ligue 2 because of financial problems, said it had “been informed by Fenway Sports Group of its intention not to pursue discussions”.
“This decision is explained in particular by the significant cost of the stadium in the coming years, but also by the general economic context of French soccer,” the statement continues.
FSG had been in contact with Bordeaux owner Gerard Lopez for several weeks and took part in the club’s hearing with French football’s financial watchdog the DNCG on July 9th.
“Following extensive and constructive discussions with all stakeholders, Fenway Sports Group has made the decision not to pursue the acquisition of FC Girondins de Bordeaux,” the US group, which owns baseball’s Boston Red Sox and the Pittsburgh Penguins ice hockey club as well as Premier League giants Liverpool, said in a separate statement
Sources close to the talks indicated that the expenses associated with maintaining Bordeaux’s Matmut Atlantique stadium, coupled with the unsatisfactory results of the Ligue 1 television rights discussions, influenced the outcome of the decision.
The Girondins must secure 40 million euros (£33.6m) to stabilize their finances before seeking approval from the DNCG to avoid sanctions.
“The club and its shareholder are now putting all their energy into finalising a financing plan for the 2024/25 season in preparation for the appeal hearing”, scheduled for July 23rd or 24th.
