Waldemar Kita: The Controversial Polish Billionaire Shaking Up French Football

FC Nantes owner Waldemar Kita has issued a stark warning about the club’s future, drawing parallels with the collapse of fellow French football giant Girondins de Bordeaux. In a series of interviews and statements this week, the 72-year-old Polish businessman, who has led Nantes since 2007, expressed frustration over the club’s impending relegation from Ligue 1 and the broader challenges he faces as its owner.

Kita’s Bleak Outlook: “We’ll End Up Like Bordeaux”

Speaking to Eurosport on April 24, 2026, Kita painted a grim picture of Nantes’ trajectory, suggesting the club risks following Bordeaux into financial and sporting oblivion. Bordeaux, once a Ligue 1 mainstay and seven-time French champions, were demoted to the fourth tier in 2025 after a series of administrative and sporting failures. Kita’s comments reflect his growing despair over Nantes’ current predicament, with the club sitting second-to-last in Ligue 1 and five points adrift of safety with only a handful of matches remaining.

“I can’t continue working in this environment. If this keeps up, it will end up like Bordeaux.”

Waldemar Kita, FC Nantes owner

Kita’s remarks were part of a broader critique of the club’s struggles, both on and off the pitch. He acknowledged his own role in the crisis, telling Le Parisien in a separate interview that Nantes were heading for relegation “because I let everything happen.” The admission underscores the depth of the club’s turmoil, which has been exacerbated by fan protests, failed infrastructure projects, and a revolving door of managerial appointments.

Fan Backlash and Failed Projects

Kita’s tenure at Nantes has been marked by persistent tension with supporters, who have grown increasingly vocal in their opposition to his leadership. The club’s fanbase has organized protests, including a symbolic “funeral” for Kita during a match earlier this month, as reported by Przegląd Sportowy. The demonstration, held at the Stade de la Beaujoire, featured fans carrying a coffin with Kita’s name and chanting “Waldemarze, jesteś dobrym psem” (“Waldemar, you’re a good dog”), a sarcastic reference to his perceived mismanagement.

The backlash stems from a series of unfulfilled promises, including Kita’s plans to build a new stadium and training facility. Both projects were rejected by the city of Nantes, leaving the club without modern infrastructure to compete with wealthier Ligue 1 rivals. Kita has also faced criticism for his handling of the squad, with six different managers overseeing the team since the start of the 2023-24 season. The instability has contributed to Nantes’ poor form, culminating in their likely relegation this season.

Criticism of Luis Castro and a Rare Retraction

In the same Eurosport interview, Kita launched a scathing attack on one of his former coaches, Luis Castro, whose tenure at Nantes lasted just seven months before his departure in January 2026. Kita called Castro’s recruitment his “biggest mistake,” claiming the Portuguese manager would “bring down two clubs in the same year.” Castro, who left Nantes for Spanish side Levante in February, has since guided the Valencian club to a potential escape from relegation, further fueling criticism of Kita’s assessment.

However, Kita later walked back his comments in a press release published on April 27, 2026. “Following the publication of a recent interview, some of my comments were the subject of interpretations which do not correspond to my thoughts,” he stated. “I have no animosity towards Luis Castro. The sporting difficulties encountered this season are collective and involve the entire club, starting with myself as President.” The retraction came amid mounting pressure from fans and media, who accused Kita of deflecting blame onto others.

Financial and Sporting Instability

Kita’s struggles at Nantes contrast sharply with his success in the medical industry, where he built two companies—Cornéal and Vivacy—before selling them to multinational corporations. His business acumen, however, has not translated to football. Since taking over Nantes in 2007, the club has oscillated between mid-table finishes and relegation battles, with only one major trophy (the 2021-22 Coupe de France) to show for his tenure. The club’s financial health has also deteriorated, with Kita repeatedly injecting personal funds to cover losses, a strategy that has failed to yield long-term stability.

Kita’s reluctance to sell the club has further frustrated supporters. In his Eurosport interview, he insisted he would not abandon Nantes, citing professional integrity. “I could abandon everyone first thing tomorrow, but that won’t be honest,” he said. However, his comments about Bordeaux suggest he recognizes the severity of the situation. Bordeaux’s collapse—from Ligue 1 to the fourth tier in just three years—serves as a cautionary tale for Nantes, where similar mismanagement and financial instability could lead to a rapid decline.

What Comes Next for Nantes?

With relegation to Ligue 2 all but assured, Nantes face an uncertain future. Kita’s leadership will likely come under even greater scrutiny, particularly if the club fails to mount an immediate return to the top flight. The owner’s strained relationship with fans and local authorities could complicate efforts to secure funding for infrastructure or player investments. Meanwhile, the search for a new manager and a coherent sporting project will be critical to stabilizing the club.

For now, Kita’s warnings about Bordeaux serve as a stark reminder of the stakes. If Nantes do not address their systemic issues—both on and off the pitch—they risk following Bordeaux into obscurity. The coming months will test Kita’s resolve and the club’s ability to navigate one of the most turbulent periods in its history.