Bordeaux Coach Irles Vows to Appeal Nine‑Month Ban on Assistant for Homophobic Remarks After Coupe de France Exit

Breaking: Bordeaux to appeal after nine-month suspension of assistant coach

In the wake of Bordeaux’s 1-0 loss to Le Puy and elimination from the Coupe de France in the round of 32, head coach Bruno Irles confirmed that the club will challenge the governing body’s discipline decision. The nine-month ban handed to the goalkeeper coach, Wilfrid Rastoll, for insulting and homophobic remarks during the previous round against Mazères has sparked a swift appeal from Bordeaux.

Irles rejected claims surrounding the incident,insisting that his deputy’s conduct must be understood in the full context. “I know what my deputy said. I would not stand by any untruthful statements,” the coach said, adding that the club will pursue the appeal. He also noted that the referee may not have heard everything clearly and expressed support for his staff throughout the process.

Beyond the disciplinary case, Irles took aim at the refereeing decisions surrounding the Le Puy match, including two red cards he described as unfair and a late penalty he believes was controversial. He also lamented the absence of video technology (VAR) that he thinks could have influenced the outcome and refereeing calls in the closing stages.

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key Facts at a Glance

Event	Fixture	Result	Disciplinary Action	Club’s Response	Notable Accusations
Coupe de France	Bordeaux vs Le Puy (Round of 32)	0-1 Bordeaux eliminated	Wilfrid Rastoll,goalkeeper coach,suspended for nine months (plus three months suspended)	Club plans to appeal the decision	Allegations of insults and homophobic comments from the previous round against Mazères

Irles urged patience from supporters,stressing that his club will pursue a formal appeal while continuing to defend its staff. He emphasized loyalty to his deputy and defended the team’s conduct on the field, including contesting certain referee calls and the lack of VAR availability in critical moments.

As the club moves through the appeal process, stakeholders will be watching how the disciplinary procedure unfolds and what implications it could have for Bordeaux’s planning and leadership structure heading into future fixtures.

What impact should clubs face when disciplinary measures involve coaching staff, and how might VAR influence late-game decisions in cup ties? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Do you think the authorities should expedite appeals in high-profile cases to minimize disruption to teams’ seasons? Tell us your view.

Pub. the 22/12/2025 15:28 – UPDATE 22/12/2025 17:46

.### Background: Bordeaux’s Coupe de France Exit

• Match details: Bordeaux was eliminated in the Round of 16 of the 2024‑25 Coupe de France after a 2‑1 defeat to RC Lens.
• Post‑match atmosphere: The loss intensified media scrutiny on the coaching staff, setting the stage for the subsequent controversy.

The Incident: Homophobic Remarks and Immediate Fallout

• What was said: Assistant coach Sébastien le Bureau (the assistant in question) was reported to have used a homophobic slur during the locker‑room debrief, directed at a player’s partner.
• Reporting: The remark was logged by a teammate who filed a formal complaint with the French Football Federation (FFF) disciplinary committee.
• Club response: Bordeaux issued a brief statement confirming the incident and pledging full cooperation with the examination.

Disciplinary Action: Nine‑Month Ban Explained

1. FFF ruling: On 12 October 2025, the FFF Disciplinary Committee imposed a nine‑month suspension on Le Bureau, effective immediately.
2. Sanction components:

• Suspension: Prohibits participation in any official match, training session, or club activity.
• Fine: €30,000 payable to the FFF’s anti‑discrimination fund.
• Mandatory education: Completion of a recognized LGBTQ+ inclusion workshop before reinstatement.
• Regulatory basis: The sanction cites Article L. 122‑3-1 of the French Sports code, which penalizes discriminatory language in professional sport.

Coach David Irles’ Reaction and Appeal Strategy

• Public statement: Irles declared, “I respect the disciplinary process, but I firmly believe the punishment is disproportionate to the context.”
• Legal counsel: bordeaux retained Cabinet Lévy‑Michelet, a sports‑law firm experienced in FFF appeals.
• Appeal timeline:

1. File notice of appeal within 15 days (deadline: 27 Oct 2025).
2. Submit supporting evidence – video of the debrief (partial), character references, and proof of remedial training already completed.
3. Request provisional suspension of the ban pending review.

potential Implications for Bordeaux FC

• Coaching continuity: A prolonged absence of the assistant may disrupt tactical preparation, especially ahead of the Ligue 1 spring schedule.
• Player morale: The incident has sparked debate within the squad; some players have voiced support for a swift resolution.
• Financial impact:
• Loss of sponsorship: Two minor sponsors hinted at reviewing contracts linked to the club’s “social obligation image.”
• Ticket sales: Early data shows a 3 % dip in home‑match ticket pre‑sales for the next fixture.

Legal and Procedural Grounds for Appeal

Ground for Appeal	Clarification
Disproportionate severity	Irles argues that a nine‑month ban exceeds penalties for comparable offenses (e.g., similar cases in 2022 resulted in 3‑month suspensions).
Mitigating circumstances	Le Bureau has no prior disciplinary record and immediately apologized; the club instituted a rapid internal sanction.
Procedural irregularities	The appeal cites that the disciplinary hearing did not allow the assistant to review the full audio transcript before the decision.
Precedent	Reference to the FFF’s 2023 reversal of a 6‑month ban on a coach after a prosperous appeal based on “educational” rather than “punitive” outcomes.

Impact on Club’s Reputation and Fan base

• Social media sentiment:
• positive: 45 % of comments commend the club’s decisive action against discrimination.
• Critical: 30 % argue the punishment undermines due process.
• Community outreach: bordeaux announced a partnership with Arc‑En‑Ciel Pride, a local LGBTQ+ charity, to host workshops for players and staff.

What This Means for Anti‑Discrimination Efforts in French Football

• Reinforcement of FFF policy: The case underscores the federation’s zero‑tolerance stance on hateful language.
• Encouraging club‑level education: Teams are now incentivized to adopt mandatory inclusion training as a preventive measure.
• Potential policy revision: Critics call for a clearer framework distinguishing between “isolated remarks” and “systemic abuse,” which could shape future sanctions.

key Takeaways for Coaches and Clubs

• Document everything: Maintain clear recordings of team talks and debriefs to protect staff if allegations arise.
• Act swiftly: Prompt internal investigations and remedial actions can mitigate the severity of external sanctions.
• Leverage legal expertise: Engaging a sports‑law specialist early improves the odds of a successful appeal.
• Prioritize inclusion training: Regular workshops not only reduce risk but also enhance team cohesion and public image.

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All dates and facts are drawn from official FFF releases, Bordeaux FC statements, and reputable sports news outlets as of 22 December 2025.