There is increasing pessimism regarding Stade Brestois’ chances of playing European football at their home stadium, the Stade Francis Le-Blé, next season. 

Brest have had an exceptional season, defying all expectations. Eric Roy’s team had been heavily tipped for relegation by many, however, with one game remaining, they are fourth in Ligue 1 and on course to secure qualification for the UEFA Champions League play-off rounds. 

However, whatever form of European football they secure, the chances of Les Ty Zéfs playing at their home stadium are slim, and fading.UEFA visited the Stade Francis-Le Blé in March and concluded that Brest’s stadium did not comply with regulations. It was marked as a Category 2 stadium. In order to comply, it must be a Category 4. Brest had hoped for an exemption, however, L’Équipe understands that this will not be granted. 

One of the major issues is that three of the four stands at the Stade Francis-Le Blé are tubular, which are banned by UEFA. Should Brest play their European matches, be it in the Champions League, UEFA Europa League or UEFA Europa Conference League, at their home stadium, the capacity would be limited to just 5,000. Brest, as well as the FFF (French Football Federation), have been informed of this decision.

However, speaking to L’Équipe, Brest president Denis Le Saint said that the tubular stands aren’t the only issue, voicing pessimism ahead of UEFA’s final verdict. “You can’t just reduce it to the tubular stands. It’s a property issue […] there are too many negative elements against us. We have sought counsel but the more they show us the reasons that motivated their decision, the more difficult it becomes. Only the kindness of the masterminds at UEFA will allow us to play European football at Le Blé,” he said. 

Stade Brestois may soon have to look for alternative venues. The Beaujoire, where FC Nantes play their home games, and Roazhon Park, where Stade Rennais play their home games, are potential destinations. 

GFFN | Luke Entwistle