BORDEAUX SPRINT | MEN'S TOUR DE FRANCE 2026 | STAGE 7

 

BERNARD LACOMBE DEAD AT 72: LEGENDARY FRANCE STRIKER WHO WON EURO 1984 PASSES AWAY AS TRIBUTES FLOOR IN

• Bernard Lacombe won the European Championship with France back in 1984 

• The prolific former striker is still the second-highest ever goalscorer in Ligue 1 

• French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo hailed him as 'remarkable' 

Legendary former France international Bernard Lacombe has passed away at the age of 72. 

The prolific striker is perhaps best remembered as one of the victorious European Champions of 1984 alongside Michel Platini, and netted 12 times for Les Bleus in his 38 international appearances. 

One of those strikes remains a record-breaker today, after Lacombe scored within 30 seconds of the World Cup clash with Italy back in 1978, France's fastest at football's greatest competition. 

Beyond success on the international scene, Lacombe was known in the seventies and eighties as one of the most lethal forwards in France. 

In fact, he has the second-most goals of any player in Ligue 1 history, registering 255 strikes in 497 appearances across stints with Lyon, Saint-Etienne and Bordeaux. 

French giants Lyon, where he played 258 times, paid tribute to their former star and manager on social media in the wake of the tragic news.

'It is with immense sadness that we learned on Tuesday evening of the passing of Bernard Lacombe,' they wrote.

'All our thoughts are with his family and loved ones, as well as with the fans of Olympique Lyonnais and football.

'Rest in peace, Bernard.'

After hanging up his boots, Lacombe went on to manage Lyon - where he came through the ranks having been born in the city - for four years between 1996 and 2000, winning the Intertoto Cup in 1997.

He would also spend 20 years as a special advisor to owner Jean-Michel Aulas, and was reportedly crucial to the retention of a number of the club's Brazilian players, such as Juninho. 

French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo, added an emotive response to the news, saying: 'It is with deep sadness that I learned of the passing of Bernard Lacombe. Bernard Lacombe left an indelible mark on French football, as a player, coach, and manager.

'He was one of the greatest strikers in the history of French football. The second-highest scorer in Division 1, he made his mark on the glorious history of Lyon, Saint-Étienne, and Bordeaux. He also shone with the French national team. His goals helped establish Les Bleus on the international stage.

'Bernard Lacombe was a major contributor to the 1984 European Championship title. He performed some of France's greatest feats, including his goal in the opening seconds of the game against Italy at the 1978 World Cup. He was undoubtedly a source of inspiration for many strikers.

.'After his remarkable playing career, Bernard Lacombe put his footballing knowledge to work for Olympique Lyonnais, his beloved club.

'With Jean-Michel Aulas, whom I am thinking of very much in these difficult moments, he formed a duo that transformed OL into a successful club.

'Deeply attached to his city, his club, and his friends, Bernard Lacombe will be deeply missed.

'The Federation will pay tribute to him. On behalf of all French football, I extend my most sincere condolences to his family and friends.'

Bordeaux, for whom he featured 297 times and scored 137 goals, added on X: 'With immense sadness, Bernard Lacombe has just left us at the age of 72.

'Having played for [Bordeaux] between 1979 and 1987, this legendary striker left his mark on the club's history with his talent and generosity. 

'The entire Marine et Blanc family mourns today a striker of rare elegance, one of the greatest players in the club's history. Thank you, Bernard.'

- Dominic Hoogan

LIVERPOOL’S FSG OWNERS PULL OUT OF TALKS TO BUY BORDEAUX

 

Fenway Sports Group (FSG) will not purchase Girondins de Bordeaux, it has been confirmed. Liverpool’s owners have pulled out of talks to buy the French club, provisionally relegated to the National 1, the third tier of French football. 

The DNCG, French football’s financial watchdog, provisionally relegated Bordeaux to the third tier of French football last week. In the wake of that decision, it was announced that Bordeaux, as expected, would contest the ruling, but it was also announced that FSG were in discussions to purchase the club. Not only that, but a member of counsel from FSG was even present at the DNCG meeting, whilst John Henry had also taken part in meetings regarding the takeover.

However, both FSG and Bordeaux have now confirmed in separate statements that there will not be a takeover. “FC Girondins de Bordeaux and their owner have been informed by Fenway Sports Group of their intention to not continue in talks, which have been ongoing in recent weeks, regarding the purchase of the club. This decision is notably due to the considerable cost of the stadium in the coming years but also the general economic context of French football,” began Bordeaux’s statement. 

FSG ‘disappointed’ not to have found agreement

“Girondins de Bordeaux and Gérard Lopez thank Fenway Sports Group for the interest that they have shown in the club, as well as their teams, who have travelled to meet the relevant parties. The club and its owner are now putting all of their energy into the finalisation of the financial plan for the 2024/25 season, in view of the appeal hearing,” added the statement. 

FSG confirmed the failure of the talks. “Despite our disappointment at having not found a favourable outcome, we wish the club and its supporters the best possible future,” concluded the statement from Liverpool’s owners. The breakdown in negotiations leaves Bordeaux in a precarious position as they look to appeal their provisional relegation next week and retake their place in Ligue 2 ahead of the upcoming season. 

BORDEAUX'S ELIS RECOVERING AFTER SERIOUS HEAD INJURY

USA TODAY Sports 

 Bordeaux forward Alberth Elis is recovering after undergoing surgery and being placed in an induced coma following a serious head injury during a league match, his family said in a statement shared by the Ligue 2 club.

The 28-year-old Honduras international collided with Guingamp defender Donatien Gomis just 40 seconds into the game at Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux on Saturday, after which he was forced off on a stretcher.

On Sunday, Bordeaux said Elis was rushed to the hospital after the incident and underwent surgery during the night, adding that the forward had to be placed in a protective artificial coma.

"We are pleased to share with you the first encouraging signs, Alberth is waking up and seems to be gradually recovering," his family said on Wednesday.

"However, we would like to remain cautious about the progress of his condition, as the next few days will be crucial ... Alberth is a fighter and we will keep you updated on his condition shortly."

- Reuters 

WORLD CUP ORGANISERS APOLOGISE TO FANS, WORKING ON NEW VERSIONS OF NATIONAL ANTHEMS

Reuters 

Rugby World Cup organisers apologised to the thousands of fans who were stuck outside the Marseille stadium and those who struggled to make their way to the Bordeaux arena, and promised to address the concerns over the national anthems on Wednesday.

The World Cup pool D match between England and Argentina in Marseille got underway on Saturday to hundreds of empty seats as supporters were queuing outside while in Bordeaux tramway problems delayed fans arrival for the Ireland v Namibia game.

"We apologise to the fans who missed kickoff. It was our responsibility," France 2023 president Jacques Rivoal told a press conference.

"We are very confident in our capacity in our capacity and in the capacity of the organising committee to address these challenges and find de relevant solutions," tournament director Michel Pousseau said.

MIX OF CALM AND CONCERN AS CYCLING'S TOUR HEADS INTO RIOT-HIT FRANCE 🇫🇷

Reuters 

While the vast majority of the Tour de France peloton is not concerned by the riots that have been hitting the country following the fatal shooting of a teenager by police, some have expressed concerns that the race might be disrupted.

After a start in Bilbao, Spain, the Tour heads to France on Monday with visits to Bayonne, Dax, Pau and Bordeaux during the week.

Rioting across France appeared to be less intense on Saturday, but tens of thousands of police have been deployed in cities across the country after the funeral of a teenager of North African descent, whose shooting by police sparked nationwide unrest.

BORDEUX TO REMAIN IN LEAGUE 2 AFTER FAN ASSAULT ON PLAYER RESULTS IN FORFEIT

Reuters

Girondins de Bordeaux's Ligue 1 promotion bid has been derailed after their final home league match, which was halted when a fan attacked a Rodez player, was declared a victory for the visitors by governing body LFP on Monday.

In the match played on June 2, Bordeaux needed to better Metz's result to finish second and secure promotion to the top flight but the six-times French champions went behind in the 22nd minute.

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