Champions League giants identify racecourse as site for state-of-the-art 60,000-seat stadium
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Paris Saint-Germain are preparing to leave the iconic Parc des Princes in favour of a swanky new 60,000-seat stadium.
The French champions have announced plans to start a new era at the club and have sounded out three potential sites.
However, logistical issues could become problematic for PSG's hopes of building a new state-of-the-art venue.
The Saint-Cloud racecourse situated just three miles from the Parc des Princes is reportedly the preferred option due to location but it is likely to cause complications due to the limited resources in managing fans.
Another option is to construct a stadium in Montigny-le-Bretonneux in the south-western suburbs of the city but is likely to anger supporters as the site is 15 miles away from the Parc des Princes
Poissy of Stellanits has been pinpointed as another possibility but a switch there would see fans travel a whopping 18 miles out of the city to attend games.
PSG had previously looked into moving to the Stade de France but pulled the plug after deciding the national stadium was not the right fit for the club.
Talk of leaving the Parc des Princes is a contentious topic among fans and the club's hierarchy.
PSG's ultras have made their feelings known that they wish to stay at the Parc des Princes while other supporters recognise the need to step into the future.
While president Nasser Al-Khelaifi shares the sentiments of the club's hardcore fans, he concedes that PSG are slipping behind Europe's top clubs due to not owning their stadium.
PSG are tenants at the Parc des Princes and despite having spent a reported £71million renovating the stadium since the Qatari takeover of the club in 2011, Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, has regularly declared her opposition to selling the Parisian landmark.
Hidalgo's deputy Pierre Rabadan said: "A sale is not desirable, because that would be a decision with no turning back.
"That’s why we have to rule out the sale of the Parc des Princes. We don’t want to sell off Paris’ legacy."
PSG signed a 30-year lease for the Parc in 2013 meaning, in theory, they are committed to the stadium until 2043 however, clauses inserted into the agreement should see the club find an alternative site without any problems.
“We are Paris Saint-Germain. A football club that needs to have a truly great stadium.," Al-Khelaifi said last week.
“The best stadium in the world. We need it for Financial Fair Play.
“All the other European clubs have constructed bigger, more modern stadiums. We are behind everyone.”
Asked about why PSG have been unable to purchase the Parc des Princes, he said: “It is the city [Government] that has already decided that for us.
“They won’t let PSG buy the Parc des Princes, which is rented.”
The door could still be open for Al-Khelaifi to purchase the Parc in the future after Hidalgo confirmed on Tuesday that she would be not standing for a third term as Mayor in the 2026 municipal elections.
PSG have played at the Parc des Princes since 1974 but their Qatari owners had plans to buy and renovate the stadium to keep the club in their spiritual home while boosting matchday revenues.
A move to a 60,000-capacity stadium would allow the club to house a further 12,000 fans into games with the current capacity at 48,583.
