PARIS — The mayor of Bordeaux is actively engaging in efforts to support the city’s beleaguered soccer team and is open to the idea of Oliver Kahn taking the helm.
Kahn, well-regarded as one of the top goalkeepers during his time with Bayern Munich and the German national team, is currently in negotiations to acquire Bordeaux. This storied club, a six-time French champion, has found itself in dire straits, having been relegated to the fourth tier of French football and facing a staggering debt of 118 million euros (approximately $124 million).
To advance this potential change, Kahn held a meeting last Friday with Pierre Hurmic, the mayor of Bordeaux, along with other municipal officials, to outline his vision for the takeover.
“While there are confidential aspects I am unable to disclose, I can confirm that they appear to be serious, motivated, and possess the necessary financial resources. I find their proposal quite compelling,” Hurmic conveyed in a conversation. “The intent to purchase the club along with the stadium bodes well, especially as it appears to have prompted a response from the current president, Gérard Lopez. Reports suggest he is contemplating an offer for the stadium, which is something new.”
Bordeaux’s significant financial troubles stem from its lack of ownership over its stadium, which is held by the public sector, complicating matters for potential investors.
The club’s fiscal issues began a few years back, exacerbated by the pandemic and a lucrative television deal that fell through, leading to significant losses. Lopez assumed control of Bordeaux in June 2021 after the withdrawal of financial support from King Street. Last season brought further disappointment as the club finished last in Ligue 1, resulting in relegation.
After narrowly missing out on promotion back to the top league, Bordeaux suffered a second relegation last season, plummeting to the National 2 league. The club’s inability to provide necessary financial assurances to France’s soccer governance body led to its placement into receivership by the commercial court, thus initiating the second drop down the leagues.
This receivership provided temporary relief through a debt freeze, but it also stripped Bordeaux—affectionately known as “Les Girondons”—of its professional status.
The club is scheduled to reconvene with its creditors on March 18.
“These meetings will be crucial, almost like last chances,” Hurmic noted, having served as mayor since July 2020. “We need to make significant progress, and Mr. Lopez must clarify his vision for the future of Bordeaux.”
Currently positioned second in a closely contested battle for promotion, missing out on the opportunity to move up the leagues could reignite significant off-field issues for the team. Tensions among supporters regarding the management of the club have escalated into several confrontations between the main fan factions. Hurmic has met with representatives from these groups to ease tensions, while also acknowledging their hesitations toward Lopez’s leadership.
“He took over a premier league club, and now we find ourselves in the fourth division,” Hurmic remarked, adding that he plans to meet with Lopez shortly.
Bordeaux has a rich history, having clinched four French cups, three League Cups, and reached the UEFA Cup final in 1996, featuring Zinedine Zidane, where they were defeated by a Bayern team that Kahn guarded in goal.
While Kahn is a potential future owner, Hurmic emphasized that he has communicated the same sentiments to any interested parties.
“Les Girondins are a cherished part of Bordeaux’s heritage,” he stated firmly. “Bordeaux is not merely a financial entity; it holds deep connections with the city and its community.”
