For months, the future of the Parc des Princes has been at the heart of debates and tensions. Paris Saint-Germain wants to expand it, but doesn’t want to finance everything without owning it. The Paris City Hall is reluctant to pay and sell. So PSG is looking at a new location, with a huge project. The battle is between Massy and Poissy. But Emmanuel Grégoire, the Socialist Party candidate for mayor of Paris, revived the idea of a sale during an interview with L’Equipe.
“It’s an urban, economic, environmental, social, and sporting project. A complete redevelopment of the Porte de Saint-Cloud area.”
“What is your plan for PSG and the Parc des Princes today?
Everyone is taking a stand, saying: ‘PSG is the Parc, and the Parc is Paris.’ I agree. PSG must continue to write its history in Paris. That’s why I want to find solutions. That’s the purpose of my project for a new Parc des Princes, with improvements to its surroundings. This project goes beyond simply transforming and expanding the Parc. It’s an urban, economic, environmental, social, and sporting project. A complete redevelopment of the Porte de Saint-Cloud.
Are you ready to sell the Parc des Princes to PSG?
From a legal and financial standpoint, I want to propose two options to the Paris City Council for a vote, which would constitute our negotiating mandate with PSG: a lease-trust option with a long-term contract. I am aware of the reservations expressed by PSG’s shareholders regarding this option, and a sale scenario.
We need to move beyond posturing to find a solution.” a resolution to the matter. My goal is therefore to put all the options on the table and work with PSG to find a solution that satisfies both the club and the Parisian community.
“There will be clauses common to both scenarios.”
We imagine there will be conditions attached?
Yes. There will be clauses common to both scenarios. And a specific clause regarding the transfer of ownership of the stadium, namely that in the event of a cessation of activity, bankruptcy of PSG, or the end of sporting activities, the Parc des Princes must absolutely remain an outdoor football stadium. The City will also have a right of first refusal on the stadium should PSG be sold by the shareholder.
Any other clauses?
No naming rights can be associated with the Parc des Princes, and its use will be exclusively reserved for PSG’s first teams. The contract cannot be transferred except in the event of the club’s sale. Finally, the site and the buildings must be protected as heritage sites. Any major transformation of the stadium and its surroundings will require a prior amendment to the “Local urban development plan.”
This is a promising announcement, which might suggest that a new discussion could be possible. However, it’s still a long way off. Emmanuel Grégoire would need to be elected and his proposals accepted, both by the Paris City Council and PSG.
So it’s still a long way from being finalized. One might even wonder if it’s simply too late. PSG has launched consultations for its new stadium, and the project makes perfect sense to reach the desired milestone. Even if a change of plans remains possible until it’s officially underway. Making progress is also a strong argument for a potential sale.
Let’s wait and see what happens, knowing that PSG doesn’t necessarily want to wait for the elections and isn’t necessarily satisfied with the terms of a potential sale. It’s still a very distant prospect.
