
Since Andy Carroll‘s move to crisis club Girondins de Bordeaux, there’s been huge interest in the UK in their fortunes.
With that in mind, here is a round-up of this week’s news in the world of the one-time giant of French football, now languishing in the lower reaches of their football system.
French Cup Clash Postponed: CMO Bassens vs Girondins de Bordeaux
The eagerly anticipated French Cup fixture between CMO Bassens and Girondins de Bordeaux has been postponed, according to an announcement from Bassens’ mayor, Alexandre Rubio. The decision was made following a meeting involving various stakeholders, including representatives from the clubs, the Aquitaine Football League, and local authorities. The issue arose due to a lack of available police resources.
Mayor Rubio explained via a statement on social media: “The police are heavily mobilised elsewhere, and the Prefecture has informed us that the match cannot take place this weekend.” His announcement came in response to mounting concerns about security for the match, scheduled to be held this Saturday as part of the Coupe de France’s fifth round.
For days, CMO Bassens had been pushing to avoid the match being played behind closed doors, as revealed by club president Cédric Borie earlier this week. However, the mayor’s statement confirmed that the efforts appeared to have been in vain. “In accordance with the League’s regulations, the match will now be rescheduled for early next week. Several options are being explored, and we are working hard to ensure that we can play this important match in front of as many spectators as possible,” added Rubio.
The postponement stems largely from the planned demonstration by environmental group Les Relèvements de la Terre, which is due to take place in Bordeaux on Saturday. With police resources already stretched, the authorities have deemed it unfeasible to ensure security for the match, regardless of which stadium is used. Compounding the issue, tensions between supporters remain a significant concern for both the Bordeaux club and the local authorities.
The Girondins de Bordeaux, a renowned Ligue 1 club, have developed an unfortunate reputation as a ‘curse’ for amateur teams in recent years, as their matches often bring additional complications for smaller clubs. To make matters worse, several officials from the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Football League were reportedly unaware of the decision to postpone the match, raising questions about communication and governance. As for rescheduling, the Girondins have declined to bear the costs of using Bordeaux’s Matmut Atlantique stadium, leaving Bassens with the challenge of finding an alternative venue.
Why Bordeaux Fans Are Furious at the Arnault Family’s Paris FC Buyout
The acquisition of Paris FC by the Arnault family, owners of luxury giant LVMH, has sparked outrage among Girondins de Bordeaux supporters. As reported by RMC, the billionaire Arnault family, whose interests include fashion and champagne brands under the LVMH umbrella, had considered investing in three French clubs – Bordeaux, Lille, and Saint-Étienne – before ultimately deciding to purchase Paris FC.
This news has hit hard in Bordeaux, a club with a rich footballing history but now languishing in the lower tiers of French football. Bordeaux, who were relegated to National 2 after financial ruin and are now enduring a lengthy rebuild, could have been revitalised by an injection of funds from the Arnaults. Many fans believe that Bordeaux’s steep decline could have been avoided entirely if the family had chosen to invest in the Aquitaine side, rather than the comparatively lower-profile Paris FC.
Why the Arnault family chose Paris FC remains unclear, especially when Bordeaux’s prestigious history and loyal fanbase would have made them an appealing prospect. The Girondins last won the French title 15 years ago and, while they continue to battle financial and administrative difficulties, supporters are left wondering what could have been.
A Missed Opportunity for Bordeaux’s Revival
It’s difficult not to feel a sense of loss for Bordeaux fans after the Arnault family’s decision to invest in Paris FC. For a club steeped in history and with a once-proud tradition in French football, this could have been the lifeline they so desperately needed. Bordeaux has been through years of turmoil, culminating in their relegation and subsequent financial woes. An investment from one of the most powerful business dynasties in the world could have catapulted them back to the top tier of French football, where many believe they rightfully belong.
Instead, Paris FC, a club with little to no historical pedigree, has been chosen as the beneficiary of this vast wealth. While the decision may make financial sense for the Arnault family, it feels like a blow to the romance of football. Clubs like Bordeaux, with passionate fanbases and deep-rooted identities, are the lifeblood of the sport. The Girondins’ supporters can only watch on as a golden opportunity passes them by, leaving their beloved club to face a long and uncertain road to recovery.
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