Stade Francais's troubled season took a turn for the worse on Monday when it was revealed they are one of three Top 14 clubs ordered to appear before the sport's financial authorities this week.

The French giants, who currently have Melbourne Rebels target Mark Gasnier on their books, are embroiled in a relegation battle despite having reached the European Cup quarter-finals.

They are bankrolled by former radio mogul Max Guazzini but have been summoned to supply financial guarantees to the financial body (DNACG) of the National Rugby League (LNR).

Stade, five-time champions since Guazzini became the owner and two-time European Cup finalists, will be joined by Top 14 rivals Bourgoin and Montauban.

Should they fail to convince the DNACG of their financial health they could face punishments ranging from a fine to a bar on signing new players to demotion to the second tier.

However, the DNACG do not have the power to deduct points as the deadline for that sanction passed on December 31.

Stade's defeat by defending champions Perpignan on Saturday left them just seven points above the relegation places with three matches remaining, two of which are against title-chasing opponents in Clermont and fellow Paris side Racing-Metro.

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