Vendée Fontenay Foot, a National 3 club, will not be able to host Paris Saint-Germain at their stadium for the Round of 32 of the Coupe de France. According to L’Équipe, the club is considering several options: the Beaujoire stadium in Nantes or the René-Gaillard stadium in Niort. This situation is complicated by the presence of two other matches in the Vendée region, which could potentially draw fans away from home.
“Where will Fontenay-PSG be played? As soon as the dream draw was made, the Vendée club had to face the facts: they will not be able to host the European champions at their stadium, which can hold up to 5,000 people.
The National 3 side is therefore already considering relocating the match to the Beaujoire stadium in Nantes or the René-Gaillard stadium in Niort. The good news is that Nantes will play their Round of 32 Coupe de France match in Concarneau (National 3).” However, the difficulty lies in the fact that two other Vendée clubs, Les Herbiers and Les Sables d’Olonne, will host two Ligue 1 clubs, Angers and Rennes.”
The arrival of Paris Saint-Germain, even for a Round of 32 match, usually transforms a town into a miniature volcano. Fontenay, however, has to contend with a more down-to-earth reality: its stadium isn’t certified to host such an event, forcing the club to look towards Nantes or Niort. This forced relocation, already frustrating for an underdog dreaming of a local celebration, adds another layer of complexity. Les Herbiers and Les Sables d’Olonne are also hosting Ligue 1 clubs, Angers and Rennes.
Three big matches on the same weekend in the same department means a battle to mobilize supporters, volunteers, law enforcement, and even those curious onlookers drawn by the prestige. For Fontenay, the stakes go beyond the pitch: attracting a crowd despite the competition, preserving the unique atmosphere of a match against PSG, and preventing this highly anticipated celebration from being overshadowed by an already packed schedule in the Vendée region. A true logistical challenge, just the kind the Cup is known for.
