DNCG threatens Girondins with exclusion after Sparta Capital failure

Girondins de Bordeaux appeared Wednesday morning before the DNCG appeals commission without the required financial guarantees, after British investment fund Sparta Capital abandoned its takeover project. According to L’Équipe, Sparta failed to raise the 10 million euros needed to finance the next season, leaving the club without a buyer or budget coverage.

President Gérard Lopez, general manager Arnaud Saint-André, their lawyers Laurent Cotret and Matthieu Barandas, and the continuation plan execution commissioner Franck Michel presented themselves before the commission without being able to justify the 9 to 10 million euros demanded to settle arrears from the 2025-2026 season and guarantee the 2026-2027 budget. According to Sud Ouest, the commission is expected to confirm this afternoon the club’s exclusion from national competitions.

Lopez, who claims he no longer wants to inject personal funds after committing 71 million euros since 2021, reportedly attempted one final maneuver during his hearing. Still according to Sud Ouest, he launched a call for tenders to find a buyer capable of guaranteeing the continuation plan, and is considering appealing to the CNOSF in case of an unfavorable decision to buy time. A meeting with the commercial court is also scheduled.

Founded in 1881 and six-time French champions, Girondins de Bordeaux, currently competing in National 1 after a series of administrative demotions, find themselves on the brink of complete collapse.