If there is a European Cup, it will be in Brest and nowhere else. While Stade Brestois, 3rd with seven points ahead of Lens (6th and for the moment last qualified) with four days remaining, is very well on its way to securing a European place, the question of the reception capacity of its Francis-Le Blé stadium is uncertain.
A technical file sent to defend tubulars
Thus, UEFA informed Breton leaders at the end of last week that they would have to make do with 5,000 seats for European Cup matches, with only one stand meeting the standards set. Or that they should find another stadium, for example that of Rennes.
In a joint press release published this Friday, the city and the club brush aside this option. “The mayor of Brest, François Cuillandre, like the president of Stade Brestois, Denis Le Saint, does not wish to play anywhere other than Brest at any time if the club qualifies for a European competition,” it is written.
Managers know that “consequent improvements and investments to bring them up to standard are necessary”. But according to them there is no reason not to succeed. “Following the arrival and the first feedback from UEFA, a new phase is opening with the aim of making possible the validation of the hosting of European matches at the Francis-Le Blé stadium,” they write. . We are already in the investigation phase on the various points of improvement and difficulties that have been clarified to us. »
Three stands rest on tubular structures, which raises eyebrows at UEFA. Stade Brestois sent the body “a technical file, as well as a video, which demonstrates the quality of this equipment, and the capacity of the stadium to host a European competition”. Negotiations and technical visits will therefore continue in the coming weeks.