PARIS — The situation for Bordeaux Football Club has escalated significantly, as the team finds itself relegated to the fourth tier of French football due to severe financial issues. This predicament has been exacerbated by renewed tensions between the club’s two primary fan groups.

The longstanding supporters group, the Ultramarines, clashed with the newly formed North Gate Ultras before a home match against Saint-Brieuc at the Matmut Atlantique stadium on Saturday. This recent altercation has reignited a previous feud marked by violent encounters last season.

In response to the incident, Bordeaux released a statement on Sunday condemning the violence, which necessitated police intervention to restore peace. The club reiterated its disapproval of all forms of violence and emphasized its commitment to the core values of sportsmanship through a message posted on X. “It is essential for all parties involved to collaborate in the coming days to establish viable solutions that promote a joyous and inclusive atmosphere for football. Only through support and unity can Bordeaux navigate the challenges it faces,” the statement read.

With a staggering debt of 118 million euros ($128 million), Bordeaux’s financial woes are dire. The supporters’ groups have conflicting opinions regarding the current leadership of president Gérard Lopez. Earlier in the week, the two factions met in an effort to diffuse tensions; however, they reportedly departed without coming to a consensus. Prior to Saturday’s incident, they had managed to steer clear of each other during matches.

Currently, Bordeaux finds itself in the National 2 league, with a single promotion spot available. Their scoreless draw on Saturday positioned them sixth in the league, trailing ten points behind league leaders Saint-Malo despite having played one game less.

The financial turmoil puts the future of one of French football’s most cherished clubs at risk, raising concerns that it may ultimately cease to exist. Compounding these troubles, Bordeaux is set to lose an additional 1.9 million euros ($2 million) in annual revenue at the season’s conclusion, as the insurance group Matmut plans to terminate its naming rights agreement for the club’s modern 42,000-seat stadium, which had also hosted matches during the Paris Olympics.

Bordeaux’s rich history includes 75 seasons in France’s top division, with their last league title won in 2009. The club has also secured four French Cups, three League Cups, and reached the UEFA Cup final in 1996, featuring a young Zinedine Zidane in their lineup.