Bordeaux to challenge backlog

Rearranged fixture leaves French champions fuming

Last updated: 4th March 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Bordeaux to challenge backlog

Blanc: Bordeaux boss

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Bordeaux are to contest a decision by the LFP to reschedule their Ligue 1 date with Auxerre for 10th March.

The original meeting between the two sides was due to take place on 20th February but was postponed due to Bordeaux's continued involvement in the UEFA Champions League.

The plan was to give Laurent Blanc's side the best preparation possible for a last-16 showdown with Greek giants Olympiakos.

However, that act of generosity has now been undone with the decision to replay the match during a hectic period of fixtures for the reigning French champions.

With Bordeaux still involved in the Ligue 1 title race and the Coupe de la Ligue, they face the prospect of three games in six days ahead of their return meeting with Olympiakos.

Consequences

The club are disappointed at the French authorities for putting such plans in place and intend to challenge the revised date set for their meeting with Auxerre.

"This decision could have serious consequences," read a club statement.

"The LFP simply cancels the effect of its initial decision to help prepare the best conditions for the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League.

"Against the advice of the club, clearly expressed, the LFP is giving Bordeaux the worst conditions to prepare for the return match against Olympiakos."

The fixture congestion facing Bordeaux has been exacerbated by the cancellation of their meeting away at Le Mans last weekend - with the game called off after high winds raised safety concerns.

Unfortunate

"The situation is particularly unfortunate given that everything suggests the Le Mans-Bordeaux match could have taken place," the statement added.

"Bordeaux proposed to postpone the meeting a few hours, play behind closed doors, or even shift the game to Monday and play without our international players.

"None of these proposals were heard and the decision to cancel the game was upheld because of the mere fact that Stade Leon Bollee in Le Mans does not meet the requirements of Ligue 1.

"Although bad weather hit much of the country, it was the only ground where a match was not played.

"Bordeaux consider themselves heavily penalised, both in terms of the league and the Champions League, and reserve the right to take action to defend their interests."