Liverpool’s Fenway Sports Group owners confirm Bordeaux talks following club’s relegation

Fenway Sports Group (FSG), notably owners of Premier League giants Liverpool FC, have confirmed that they are in talks to purchase Girondins de Bordeaux, who have been provisionally demoted to National 1, the third tier of French football.

As reported by France Bleu earlier on Tuesday, FSG are in talks to purchase Bordeaux, amid the club’s financial struggles. The club entered into a meeting with the DNCG – French football’s financial watchdog – with FSG on Tuesday, informing them of their intention to purchase the club. The French media added that John Henry recently took part in meetings regarding the takeover bid.

Bordeaux relegated but the decision will be contested

During that meeting with Bordeaux, the DNCG and a counsel from FSG, the former were provisionally relegated to National 1, from Ligue 2 and afforded two weeks to complete a takeover, which if completed would allow them to compete in Ligue 2 again in the 2024/25 season.

In the wake of the provisional relegation, FSG released a statement, relayed by L’Équipe: “Fenway Sports Group are currently studying the purchase of Girondins de Bordeaux. We have begun discussions and don’t wish to make any further comment during this exploratory phase.” 

Bordeaux released a statement of their own, confirming talks with FSG, whilst also confirming that – as expected – they would contest their relegation to N1. “The project to sell a majority share of the capital to Fenway Sports Group was presented to the DNCG this morning, in the presence of its representatives and we are working hand in hand with them in order to continue negotiations and due diligence,” concluded the French club’s statement.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle