French giants Bordeaux have accepted their administrative relegation after failing to agree a takeover with Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group.

The six-time Ligue 1 winners had been in lengthy negotiations with Boston-based FSG, but have confirmed that ‘FSG representatives indicated yesterday Monday July 22 to FC Girondins de Bordeaux and its shareholder their desire not to follow through despite the assurances provided by various stakeholders’.

That turn of events means that Bordeaux have decided to drop their appeal to the DNCG [French football accounts] and accept their penalty of relegation from Ligue 2 [second tier] to National 1 [third tier].

Things could get worse, though, as the financially stricken club must now go before the DNCG to present its budget in order to secure its place in the third division.

If they’re unsuccessful, relegation to the fourth of fifth tiers of French football could follow.

Bordeaux finished 12th in Ligue 2 last season under the stewardship of former winger Albert Riera.

The club’s full statement read: “While discussions had resumed in recent days, FSG representatives indicated yesterday Monday July 22 to FC Girondins de Bordeaux and its shareholder their desire not to follow through despite the assurances provided by various stakeholders. Therefore, in the absence of new elements, FC Girondins de Bordeaux withdrew the appeal lodged against the decision of the DNCG dated July 9, 2024.

“As a result, FC Girondins de Bordeaux accepts the sanction of administrative demotion within the National 1 Championship for the 2024/2025 season and will be summoned again to present its budget to the DNCG.

“The period that opens should allow FC Girondins de Bordeaux to come back stronger and at the highest level. The Club and its shareholders assure the supporters, and all stakeholders, of their desire to protect the interests of the Club.”