In July 2024, Girondins de Bordeaux's decision to abandon their professional status shocked fans and the football world alike. The information also introduced uncertainty over the future of the Matmut-Atlantique stadium, which could share the fate of a similar venue in France's Le Mans.

Downfall of French giant

FC Girondins de Bordeaux is a historic football club in France that has won many titles. However, due to a difficult financial situation, growing debts and a lack of sporting success in recent years, the club's board of directors has decided to abandon its professional status, which is synonymous with the club's downfall. Such a decision is rare in the world of football and comes with serious consequences.

The resignation of professional status means that the club will not participate in Ligue 2, the back division of France's top competition. The club can now play in the lower amateur leagues, which will negatively affect its finances. In the long term, this could mean a reduction in the number of fans and sponsors, further exacerbating the financial problems. It is now known that all player contracts will be terminated and the training centre closed.

Uncertain future of Matmut-Atlantique

The club's decision also has serious implications for Matmut-Atlantique. The stadium may become unused due to the lack of regular high-level matches, which will have serious financial implications. For the stadium to survive, it may be necessary to find a new user, such as another sports club, concert organisation or other cultural events. However, finding a permanent user may prove difficult.

© Nouveau Stade Bordeaux

Another scenario is the possibility that Girondins de Bordeaux manages to reorganise itself and return to professional football within a few years. In that case, the stadium could resume its original function. The most pessimistic scenario is the complete closure of the stadium due to lack of use and high maintenance costs.

The example of MMArena in Le Mans is particularly instructive. In 2013, following the relegation of Le Mans FC from Ligue 1 and subsequent financial problems, this stadium, with a capacity of 25,000 spectators, became largely unused. The cost of maintaining such a large venue without regular sporting events is enormous, which led to serious financial problems for both the club and the city.

Stadium chairman was not surprised by club's downfall

The stadium, like the partnership agreement on which it is based, was designed to host a resident club. The repercussions will be far-reaching, perhaps even existential. However, it is too early to give a precise answer to this question, as the club's sporting, financial and legal situation must first be fully clarified said Matmut-Atlantique stadium président Loïc Duroselle.

© Nouveau Stade Bordeaux

Unpaid bills and some particularly surprising management decisions. Unfortunately, what is happening is not surprising. In our position, we have had the opportunity to closely observe the way this club is managed. We have received many warning signs in recent months he added.

One of stadiums for Paris Olympics

Seven arenas have been designated to host the football matches, only one of which is in Paris. Teams will have to travel all over France, just like during the Euros. One of the stadiums is the Matmut-Atlantique, where six group stage matches and the quarter-finals will be played.

You can read about the other stadiums of the Games, both football and less obvious sports, in a dedicated article on the Games.

© Julien Blu