Vladimir Petkovic loses legal battle over €13 million compensation claim

Algeria national team coach Vladimir Petkovic has suffered a significant legal setback after a French court rejected his €13 million compensation claim against Bordeaux Football Club.

According to reports from French media outlets, including Ouest France, the court upheld Bordeaux’s decision to terminate Petkovic’s contract in February 2022 without financial compensation.

The ruling also applies to Petkovic’s assistant, Antonio Manicone, who was dismissed alongside him.

The court further ordered Petkovic to pay €20,000 in legal fees and Manicone €10,000.

Petkovic was appointed by Bordeaux in June 2021 after a successful stint as the Swiss national team coach.

The club, led by president Gérard Lopez, had hoped Petkovic would restore the team to its former glory.

However, disappointing results under his tenure forced Bordeaux to terminate his three-year contract prematurely, citing professional failures.

The decision came during a disastrous 2021-2022 season, which saw Bordeaux relegated from Ligue 1 to Ligue 2.

The decline continued, with the club dropping further to the third division last season, exacerbating its struggles both on and off the pitch.

In response to the termination, Petkovic sought legal action, demanding €13 million in compensation for the remaining two and a half years of his contract and an additional €2 million for his assistant’s wages.

However, after months of legal proceedings, the court dismissed his claims, siding with Bordeaux’s stance on the matter.

This ruling marks a conclusive end to Petkovic’s bid for financial redress, leaving him to shoulder the legal costs while Bordeaux continues to grapple with the lasting effects of its on-field struggles.