Oliver Kahn’s Ambitious Plan for Bordeaux FC

Oliver Kahn, the legendary German goalkeeper and Bayern Munich icon, has set his sights on acquiring the troubled French club Girondins de Bordeaux. On Friday, Kahn presented his vision to local authorities in Bordeaux, who were impressed by his seriousness and commitment.

Kahn’s Plan

Kahn, accompanied by former Marseille president Jacques-Henri Eyraud, outlined his plans to revive the fallen giant of French football. Girondins, once a six-time French champion, has suffered financial mismanagement and currently languishes in the fourth tier of French football, the N2.

Kahn’s plan includes acquiring both the club and the Grand Stade de Bordeaux, a 42,000-seat venue built for Euro 2016. The stadium is currently operated by SBA, a subsidiary of construction giants Vinci and Fayat, but has struggled to attract large crowds in the absence of a top-flight football club.

Local Support

Kahn’s proposal was met with enthusiasm by Bordeaux mayor Pierre Hurmic and Christine Bost, president of the Bordeaux Metropolitan area. Hurmic praised the "seriousness" of the project, particularly the willingness of Kahn and Eyraud to acquire the stadium as well.

Bost also described the meeting as "serious" and expressed openness to integrating the stadium into Kahn’s overall plan. The stadium has been a source of contention with current operator SBA, which is facing financial difficulties and has hinted at potential insolvency.

Financial Backing

Hurmic declined to provide details on Kahn’s potential financial backers, stating that they would make announcements in due time. He did clarify that the Saudi Arabian investors mentioned in recent media reports were not involved in the project.

According to Bost, Kahn and Eyraud’s philosophy emphasizes the sporting project above all else, which aligns with the municipality’s priorities.

Gerard Lopez’s Response

Despite the positive reception from local authorities, Kahn’s hopes of acquiring Girondins have been met with resistance from current owner Gerard Lopez. A source close to Lopez told AFP that he has no intention of selling the club at this time.

Lopez, who took control of Girondins in 2021, has overseen the club’s relegation to N2 and its subsequent protection from creditors under French commercial law. While he has expressed willingness to bring in minority investors, his team has emphasized the need for solid financial backing from any potential partners.

Kahn’s History and Bordeaux Connections

Kahn, who made 86 appearances for the German national team and played over 600 games for Bayern Munich, faced Girondins twice during his playing career. He also held senior management positions at Bayern from 2019 to 2023.

Conclusion

Oliver Kahn’s bid to acquire Girondins de Bordeaux represents a bold and ambitious project. While he has secured the support of local authorities, the ultimate decision rests with Gerard Lopez. Kahn’s plans for the club, which prioritize the sporting project and stadium ownership, align with the municipality’s goals. However, Lopez’s reluctance to sell could prove to be a significant obstacle to Kahn’s aspirations.