Dominique Delport Takes Presidential Reins at Girondins de Bordeaux
Dominique Delport is the new president of the board of directors and chief executive officer of Girondins de Bordeaux, succeeding Gérard Lopez after an ownership shift, Sud Ouest reported. The governance transition was formally executed on October 2, 2026, following an agreement by American investment firm Park Bench to acquire a 99,9% stake in the club. Delport steps into the leadership role while the formal sale awaits final legal validation from the commercial court.
Signed Acts and Governance Shifts
The official paperwork confirming the departure of Gérard Lopez and the appointment of Dominique Delport was signed on October 2, 2026, and made public via official filings published by Sud Ouest on October 8, 2026. Delport, a former managing director of Havas Group and founder of Arduina, now heads the board of directors for the club’s corporate entity. WebGirondins notes that the acquisition transitions the historic French club to the representation of Park Bench after years of financial turbulence under Lopez, who took ownership in 2021.
Foot National adds that Park Bench acquired the club for a symbolic euro after Bordeaux narrowly avoided total liquidation during the summer following an administrative relegation from national leagues. Lopez ultimately declined to fund the current campaign, leaving the squad to restart in the Régional 1 division. Delport’s arrival formally marks the end of Lopez’s controversial five-year tenure at the helm of the six-time French champions.
Commercial Court Review Dates
While the internal leadership change is complete, the corporate acquisition remains legally pending. Foot National reports that the Bordeaux Commercial Court will review the club’s new continuation plan and budget on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, shifting back from an initially anticipated October 20 date. Full legal closure of the sale relies entirely on this judicial validation.
Until the court issues its final ruling, the transition between the outgoing ownership and Park Bench is incomplete in the eyes of the judiciary. The club simultaneously prepares for its regional league fixtures, attempting to stabilize operations on the pitch under the guidance of its newly installed executives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Dominique Delport?
Dominique Delport is the former managing director of Havas Group and founder of Arduina who now serves as the president of the board of directors and chief executive officer for Girondins de Bordeaux, representing new owners Park Bench.
When was the leadership change finalized internally?
The administrative act confirming Gérard Lopez’s resignation and Dominique Delport’s appointment was signed on October 2, 2026, and officially published on October 8, 2026, according to Sud Ouest.
What legal step is still required to complete the club sale?
The commercial court must formally validate the club’s new continuation plan and budget during a hearing scheduled for November 3, 2026, before the sale is legally closed.
In which division will Bordeaux play this season?
Following administrative relegation and financial restructuring over the summer, the club competes in the Régional 1 championship.
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