The French Football Federation (FFF) is searching for a new home stadium for the national team.
Sohu said that following an unsuccessful attempt to renew agreements with the Stade de France, the FFF is now taking steps towards finding a suitable alternative, especially with the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on the horizon.
The move comes amid ongoing delays surrounding the future operatorship of the Stade de France.
The French Government, which owns the venue, has entered exclusive negotiations with GL Events for a new 30-year management contract, but this decision has been contested by current operators Vinci and Bouygues, who are appealing the decision.
The FFF is now looking at alternative venue options for France’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers, because UEFA needs to be informed of the stadium selections by early April.
The FFF is the governing body of football in France. It was formed in 1919 and is based in the capital, Paris. The FFF is a founding member of FIFA and is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the game of football in France, both professional and amateur.
The Stade de France is the national stadium of France located just North of Paris in the commune of Saint-Denis.
Its seating capacity of 80,698 makes it the largest stadium in France. The stadium is used by the French national football and rugby union teams for international competitions.
Philippe Diallo, the president of the Federation, has publicly acknowledged the need for a bidding process aimed at securing a new venue for the national team’s matches starting in the 2025-26 season.
Sohu further stated that this decision signals a departure from the historic home of French football, where the team has played since its inauguration in 1998, and which has been emblematic of its achievements.
The new bidding process not only aims to find a viable stadium but also serves as a negotiating tactic aimed at the Stade de France, as the Federation hopes to reach a compromise quickly.
By opening up the bidding, the FFF enhances its bargaining power in discussions with their traditional home ground.
Meanwhile, the Federation is contemplating hosting matches in alternative cities such as Marseille, Lille, or Lyon.
While these venues might provide a temporary solution, they lack the historical connection and atmosphere that the Stade de France offers.
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