James Bord, part of Sheffield Wednesday’s ownership consortium, is set to help acquire former French champions Bordeaux for a symbolic €1. The deal aims to prevent the financially troubled club from being liquidated, although Bordeaux’s future remains uncertain after its administrative relegation.

Bord’s Park Bench investment vehicle is expected to act as a strategic partner to Sparta Capital, with around €10m needed to stabilise the club. Bordeaux have fallen to France’s sixth tier after years of financial problems, but are appealing in the hope of returning to national competition.