Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group reignite Bordeaux takeover talks

Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group have unexpectedly reignited talks to takeover Girondins de Bordeaux, according to a report this Monday from Sud Ouest. The Boston-based group initially pulled out of all negotiations last week but the outlet understands that FSG have returned for further talks at the last minute, considering Bordeaux’s appeal in front of the DNCG – Direction Nationale du Contrôle de Gestion, France’s football financial watchdog – is scheduled for tomorrow morning. Bordeaux intends to overturn their relegation into the third tier or beyond with owner Gérard Lopez admitting the situation was critical.

Sud Ouest understands that FSG have met this morning with representatives of the Bordeaux metropolitan area regarding the €4.7m per year rent of the club’s 42.000-seater stadium and its €20m debt. The outlet adds that either Lopez sells the club in the next hours to FSG or he’ll lose €60m worth of investment should the 6-time French champions go into administration.

The fact FSG have reignited takeover talks at the last minute can only mean they want the deal to go through. And if FSG’s takeover of Bordeaux was to occur after tomorrow’s confirmation of Bordeaux’s demotion, Les Girondins can still appeal their relegation in front of the CNOSF – Comité National Olympique et Sportif Français, France’s highest sporting authority.

GFFN | Bastien Cheval