Talks have resumed in France after both sides confirmed that Fenway Sports Group had reached an end to its takeover of French club Bordeaux.
With FSG looking at a number of options to add one or more football clubs to their squad, Bordeaux have emerged as a potential candidate.
But after entering talks to buy the struggling French side, the Boston-based group confirmed it would no longer pursue a deal.
A statement dated July 16 read: “Following extensive and constructive discussions with all stakeholders, FSG has decided not to pursue the acquisition of FC Girondins de Bordeaux.”
Bordeaux have expressed concerns over ongoing financial problems, including stadium construction, and the club said they were at risk of relegation to the third tier due to long-standing debts.
Shall we talk again?
French newspaper on Monday southwest FSG have resumed talks and claimed the deadline for Bordeaux’s future was set to arrive on Tuesday morning.
southwest It was reported that a meeting was held in the port city on Monday morning to discuss figures relating to the stadium rent (€4.7m per year) and the club’s debt (€20m).
“FSG are clearly in a strong position given the difficulties faced by current owner Gerard Lopez,” the publication explained.
“He has a few hours to sell the club or declare bankruptcy, which would almost certainly mean he loses his investment (€60 million).”
But on the back of that report, an FSG source claimed: ~ No A deal to acquire Bordeaux is underway.
FSG dismisses the claim
“FSG source dismisses resumption of Bordeaux takeover talks” by David Lynch wrote on twitter.
“They insist nothing has changed since their statement last week confirming the deal would not go through.”
It remains to be seen whether this is a negotiating tactic, especially given the suggestion that they have power over Bordeaux’s current owners.
But either way, it won’t be long before it becomes clear whether FSG will take over the club, with Bordeaux needing to secure a bailout from a potential buyer by Tuesday morning.
At that time, appeals against relegation to Championna Nacional would be heard, and evidence would be presented of the funds needed to avoid such sanctions.
