PARIS (AP) — The mayor of Bordeaux is stepping up to support the city’s ailing soccer club and is optimistic about the potential acquisition by Oliver Kahn. Kahn, a former standout goalkeeper for Bayern Munich and the German national team, is in talks to acquire Bordeaux, a six-time French champion that has plummeted to the fourth tier of French football with debts amounting to 118 million euros ($124 million).
In a bid to push the deal forward, Kahn met with Bordeaux’s mayor, Pierre Hurmic, and other local officials last Friday to present his proposal for taking over the club. Hurmic expressed his sentiments, stating, “There are certain confidential aspects that I cannot disclose, but I can affirm that the potential buyers appear to be earnest, driven, and possess the requisite financial resources. I am genuinely encouraged by their proposition.” He added, “The intention to acquire both the club and the stadium bodes well, especially as it seems to have spurred the current president, Gérard Lopez, into action. Reports in the media suggest that he may also submit an offer to purchase the stadium, a development that is completely novel.”
The club’s precarious financial situation, exacerbated by its lack of ownership of the stadium, which is publicly owned, has hindered its ability to attract investors. The financial woes began several years ago, exacerbated by the pandemic and a collapsed television deal that resulted in significant losses. Following the withdrawal of backing from King Street, Lopez assumed ownership of Bordeaux in June 2021. Subsequently, the team finished at the bottom of Ligue 1 and was relegated. After narrowly missing out on rejoining the top division, Bordeaux suffered a double relegation last season, plunging to the National 2 league.
Due to its failure to provide financial assurances to the financial watchdog of French football, Bordeaux was placed in receivership by the city’s commercial court, leading to the second relegation. While this move provided temporary relief through a freeze on debts, it also caused Bordeaux—fondly known as “Les Girondins”—to lose its professional status. The club is set to convene with its creditors once more on March 18.
“These upcoming meetings will be akin to last-chance opportunities,” remarked Hurmic, who assumed office as mayor in July 2020. “We are in dire need of progress, and Mr. Lopez will need to clearly outline his vision for Bordeaux’s future.” With only one promotion spot available and Bordeaux in second place in a tightly contested race, failing to secure promotion to the third division could reignite off-field issues.
Internal disagreements among supporters regarding the club’s management have led to clashes between the primary ultra groups. Hurmic intervened by meeting with representatives from both factions to mitigate tensions, all while acknowledging the reservations surrounding Lopez. “He inherited a first-division club, and we currently find ourselves in the fourth tier,” noted Hurmic. “
