Zinedine Zidane’s former club AS Cannes on the way to bankruptcy

Zinedien Zidane came through the AS Cannes academy

French club AS Cannes are on the verge of going bankrupt after they were banned from national football over heavy debts involved. The club’s academy has been renowned for producing national legends like Zinedine Zidane and Patrick Vieira.

AS Cannes who currently play in the fourth tier of the French league are in debt which has racked up to 2.2 million. An anonymous donor has offered to pay half of that but that still leaves a million.

An anonymous backer has already said they will put up €1.2m, but that leaves another €1m missing. The hearing is in less than a week. #ASC

— Save AS Cannes (@SaveASCannes) July 11, 2014

The mayor of Cannes David Lisnard has called upon former players for help. He said 'All we need is ten former players to pay €100k or more and save the club.'

Patrick Vieira and Zinedine Zidane aren’t the only players from the club, Manchester City full-back Gael Clichy is an academy product. Former Czech Republic forward Jan Koller, Arsenal coach Boro Primorac also played for Cannes at some point in their career.

A social media campaign has been launched with the hashtag #SaveASCannes for support all over the world.

DNCG, the financial regulator of the French league banned the club and the success of any appeal depends on the payment of the debts.