Girondins de Bordeaux Women Excluded from French Soccer Championships

The French Football Federation announced that the Girondins de Bordeaux women's team will not participate in the professional national championships for the 2024-2025 season. This decision was made by the DNCG during a hearing, as the club failed to secure necessary funding and did not appeal the ruling. Consequently, the women's team will compete in Regional 1, an amateur level, which marks a significant setback for women's soccer in the Bordeaux region. Jean Michel Aulas, president of the Women's Professional Football League, expressed regret over the situation, highlighting the efforts made to find both private and public funding throughout the summer. Unfortunately, these attempts were unsuccessful, leading to the exclusion of a prominent team in women's soccer. The decision affects not only the first team but also the U19 squad, which was set to begin its championship on September 15 against Nice. The exclusion is particularly damaging given the club's historical significance in women's soccer, as it has been home to many talented players who have contributed to the sport's growth. Ada Hegerberg, a notable player, publicly supported the Girondins de Bordeaux women's section, emphasizing the honor and legacy of the players who represented the club. This situation underscores the ongoing financial challenges faced by women's soccer teams in France, raising concerns about the future development of the sport in the region. The lack of appeal and the club's inability to secure buyers for the women's team further complicate the landscape for women's soccer in Bordeaux.