Girondins de Bordeaux sold to Sparta Capital for symbolic euro, James Bord names Dominique Delport future president

A last-minute rescue

On 31 July, Gérard Lopez agreed to sell the Girondins de Bordeaux to British investment fund Sparta Capital for the symbolic sum of one euro. The deal, signed after late-night negotiations that stretched into the early hours of Friday, allowed the six-time French champion to avoid the immediate threat of judicial liquidation. Sparta Capital had raised around 10 million euros, which were placed in an escrow account to cover the club's financial obligations for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 seasons. Vice-president Arnaud De Carli confirmed that the terms sheet had been signed, although the funds had not yet been transferred, setting the stage for the club's appeal.

Gérard Lopez's exit

Lopez, who had owned the club since 2021 and presided over its fall from Ligue 1 to the fourth tier, had refused to inject further funds. As part of the agreement, he waived his claim against the club, including a "return to better fortune" clause that would have entitled him to 12 million euros if the club were successfully revived. The departure ends a deeply unpopular era, with supporters having demanded his exit for years.

The new owners

The takeover introduces a group of investors led by James Bord, a 45-year-old British entrepreneur who founded Short Circuit Science, an AI-driven sports analytics company. Bord, also a high-level poker player and a World Series of Poker bracelet winner, is set to become the majority shareholder. He previously attempted to buy English third-division club Sheffield Wednesday and is a minority shareholder in Spanish second-division side Córdoba. Two other unidentified investors are also involved.

Bord announced that Dominique Delport will serve as president. Delport is a member of the supervisory board of Vivendi and is part of the close circle of French billionaire Vincent Bolloré. The former M6 editor-in-chief expressed his pride in taking on the role.

“I am incredibly proud to lead the team that has the ambition to write the new chapter of this club as future president of FC Girondins de Bordeaux: a club I grew up with and that is part of the history of French football.”

Bord emphasized the club's status and Delport's regional connections.

“Bordeaux has played an iconic role in French football, and the people of Bordeaux deserve a club at the top of Ligue 1.”

“Dominique Delport, a leading French businessman with deep personal ties to the region, will serve as president.”

Appeal and the road to reinstatement

The 10 million euros in escrow is critical for the club's appeal before the French National Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSF). Bordeaux had been excluded from all national competitions by the DNCG, the French football financial watchdog. The fresh financial guarantees enable the club to challenge that exclusion. If the CNOSF's advisory opinion is favourable, the French Football Federation can reinstate the club into National 1, the fourth division. If not, the buyer can withdraw its funds, and liquidation would once again be unavoidable. The club played a friendly match against Bayonne on Friday evening under coach Rio Mavuba, but the off-field uncertainty has already seen several players leave.