Top 14
Financial strife sees Montauban relegated
Scrum.com
April 26, 2010
Abdelatif Boutaty goes on the charge against Perpignan during their Top 14 clash at Montauban, France, January 20, 2010
Montauban have been relegated from the Top 14 © Getty Images
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Tournaments/Tours: French Top 14
Teams: France | Montauban

Montauban have been relegated from the Top 14 after filing for bankruptcy.

The club had technically secured their survival in France's top flight with their 22-8 win over Bayonne at the weekend, but the spectre of demotion has loomed large since they were called before financial watchdog DNACG at the beginning of April.

Montauban were summoned along with Stade Francais and Bourgoin, who did not face further action, and were unable to provide evidence that they could clear their reported €1.7m financial shortfall within the confines of their season budget. Montauban's relegation secures Bayonne's place in the Top 14 for next season.

"We filed for bankruptcy at the commercial court on Monday afternoon after a meeting of the club's board of directors," spokeswoman Penelope Palazy told Reuters. "This means the club will be demoted from the Top 14."

Their financial problems reportedly stem from a loan taken out to improve their Stade de Sapiac home, including the Patrick Bardot grandstand.

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