Girondins Bordeaux are not allowed to bring in any new players until 2027. The next setback for the traditional club that has fallen from grace. What is behind the FIFA ban and how will the club react now?
The world soccer association FIFA has imposed a transfer ban on the long-established French club Girondins Bordeaux. This means that Bordeaux, which is now only in fourth place after its sporting decline in recent years, is no longer allowed to sign any new players in the next three transfer periods up to and including the summer of 2027. The club can only use players from its own youth ranks or from the current squad during this period.
Replacement fee for Diaz still open?
This is according to FIFA’s official “Registration Ban List”, on which the six-time champions from the south-west of France have been listed since 27 March.
According to French media reports, the reason for the ban is a financial dispute in connection with the transfer of Pedro Diaz in 2023. According to the report, a payment of 1.5 million euros to Sporting Gijon from Spain is still due. Bordeaux take a different view and intend to appeal against FIFA’s decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and the national court.
Kahn withdrew from investment plans
Bordeaux has had massive financial problems for years, at times accumulating debts of more than 100 million euros. The club had already been briefly banned from transferring last year.
Bordeaux was punished with a forced relegation to the third division at the end of July 2024 due to insolvency proceedings. Because negotiations with investors failed, the club gave up its professional license after 87 years. This was followed by a forced relegation to the fourth-tier National 2 in August 2024.
Last year, former world-class goalkeeper Oliver Kahn wanted to take over the club from the famous wine-growing region with a group of investors. Girondins owner Gerard Lopez rejected an initial offer from the former Bayern CEO. Kahn later withdrew from the investment plans worth around 50 million euros.
