ES Saintes v Bordeaux Coupe de France tie to be played behind closed doors | OneFootball

The third-round Coupe de France tie between ES Saintes, from Départementale Two, and Girondins de Bordeaux, from Régional One, will be played behind closed doors at Stade Yvon-Chevalier on Sunday at 15:00.

According to L'Équipe, the Ligue Nouvelle-Aquitaine competitions commission upheld Saintes as the venue following 10 days of debate.

Bordeaux's season will finally begin this weekend after a long summer league saga and the club's relegation to Régional One. The cup build-up has been similarly drawn out.

As recently as Thursday, ES Saintes vice-president Johan Bernardin said he would refuse to stage the game in Saintes because of high security costs and heavy logistical demands. He did not contemplate forfeiting.

On Friday, after a decision by the Charente-Maritime Prefecture, the commission confirmed the match would stay in Saintes and that the home club would not incur any financial cost.

Source: L'Équipe

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