Desport Faces New Bankruptcy Claim in Russia

A new bankruptcy claim has been submitted against Desport, the successor to the Decathlon retail chain in Russia. The lawsuit was officially logged on December 29, 2025, adding to the company's mounting legal portfolio. This development indicates that previous attempts to stabilize the company's financial standing may have been insufficient to satisfy all creditors.

The legal filing is part of a broader pattern of financial scrutiny facing the retailer. Desport has been operating in a challenging environment since assuming control of Decathlon's Russian assets. The specific grounds for this latest bankruptcy petition remain under legal review, but it underscores the volatility of the current market for foreign-originated business structures operating in the region.

The entity currently known as Desport was established to continue the operations previously managed by Decathlon. Following the decision by the French sporting goods giant to withdraw from Russia, the local infrastructure was rebranded and restructured. This transition was intended to preserve jobs and maintain supply chains, but it has been plagued by financial instability.

Operating without the backing of the international parent company has exposed Desport to significant economic headwinds. The company has had to navigate supply disruptions, currency fluctuations, and reduced access to international financing. These factors have likely contributed to the accumulation of debt that has now triggered multiple bankruptcy petitions.

The situation with Desport serves as a case study for the challenges facing foreign brands that have attempted to localize operations in Russia. The retail sector, particularly in sporting goods, has seen intense competition and shifting consumer behaviors. A potential bankruptcy resolution for Desport could have ripple effects on suppliers and commercial real estate partners.

If the court accepts the bankruptcy claim, it would initiate a formal process of asset evaluation and debt restructuring. This process is designed to either rehabilitate the company or liquidate assets to pay off creditors. The outcome will be closely watched by other entities in similar positions.

The path forward for Desport depends on the court's ruling regarding the bankruptcy claim. The company may attempt to negotiate a settlement with the plaintiff or seek protection under restructuring laws. The date of the filing, December 29, 2025, suggests that the company is entering the new year with significant legal hurdles.

Observers note that the survival of Desport will likely require a comprehensive financial overhaul. This could involve finding new investors, renegotiating debts, or significantly downsizing operations. Without a viable restructuring plan, the company faces the prospect of ceasing operations entirely.