Skip to main content

Fallen French giants Bordeaux sold to US-based fund for one euro

A Bordeaux flag in the stands
A Bordeaux flag in the standsDANIEL VAQUERO / Sipa Press / Profimedia

Bordeaux announced on Wednesday that US-based investment fund Park ⁠Bench had purchased the club for €1 ($1.14).

The deal will see owner Gerard Lopez exit the ‌club after a five-year spell that has seen the ‌2008-09 Ligue 1 winners descend from ‌the top tier of French football to the ‌sixth, where they will now attempt to ‌start their season.

"This operation (sale) is concluded for a symbolic euro with the assumption of debts," said ‌a statement from Bordeaux, which called ⁠it "a major step ‌for the future" of the club.

The debts Park Bench ​will assume are close to €18 million, said French media outlet Ici.

Park Bench ​is a data analytics and software company with an investment portfolio. It is owned by ⁠American Evan Sofer ​and Briton James Bord.

The fund already holds shares in Spanish second-division outfit Cordoba and is the majority shareholder in Scottish Championship (second-tier) club Dunfermline Athletic.

Bordeaux have ‌twice been placed into administration since 2021 and as a result of relegations enforced by the National Directorate of Management Control (DNCG), have spent the last two seasons playing in the Championnat National 1 (fourth tier).

This year, Bordeaux have faced more financial issues, which led the DNCG - which oversees the accounts of professional clubs ‌in France - to relegate them to Regional ​1 (sixth tier).

The Regional Management Control Commission of the ‌Nouvelle-Aquitaine Football League must now approve the sale and the club's budget for 2026-27 for Bordeaux to play in Regional 1.

The Bordeaux Commercial Court must also approve ⁠the plan so ⁠Bordeaux can avoid ‌liquidation.

Prefer Flashscore on GoogleSee our stories more often
AddAdd on Google

Chances are you’re about to lose.

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au