Negotiations between Stade Français and Paris FC concerning the arrival of the Football club at the Jean-Bouin stadium in 2025-2026 are far from being concluded. They are currently at a standstill. If the probability of seeing the PFC arrive in the 16th arrondissement of the capital next season is high, there remain many gray areas to be clarified: the rent, the security aspect and the timing of the move.
The Charléty stadium is not suitable for Ligue 1, everyone agrees. Including at Paris FC, especially the new owner of the club Antoine Arnault. The most logical scenario would therefore be to see the Parisian club temporarily move to another stadium while, in the south of the 13th arrondissement of Paris, Charléty gets a makeover. And, logically again, the Jean-Bouin stadium would be the only one capable of hosting the ambitious training of Paris FC, in terms of comfort, location and capacity.
The first thing to do for Parisian leaders is to negotiate with Stade Français, which currently occupies Jean-Bouin. But these negotiations are currently at a standstill. The conditions requested by the Rugby players would be too important for the moment. And the rugby club does not intend to change its conditions.
If Paris FC remains in Ligue 2, Jean-Bouin is not obligatory
Stade Français will have its life turned upside down if Paris FC, potentially in Ligue 1, arrives. It would be necessary to install a grass pitch and not a synthetic one, and the Top 14 club would also have to agree to modify the dressing of the stadium, entirely in the colors of the Parisian rugby players. The Stade Français association trains at Jean-Bouin, and will have to find solutions.
Exclusive tenant until 2029, the Stade Français already hosts a football club, FC Versailles. But the arrival of Paris FC would bring in more money compared to Versailles. The PFC for its part is still thinking. Financial negotiations are tense.
Another important fact: if Paris FC does not move up to Ligue 1 next season, the major works planned at Charléty and therefore the obligatory move to another venue can wait.
PSG and Paris FC on the same day: impossible for the authorities to manage
The last problem concerns the security aspect. The Jean-Bouin stadium being located opposite the Parc des Princes, the organization of sports weekends in Top 14 and Ligue 1 or even Ligue 2 would be a headache for the authorities. In the event of the PFC arriving in the 16th arrondissement, the police headquarters is already warning that it would be unthinkable to see two football matches take place on the same day. Broad consultation will therefore be required with the Professional Football League (LFP) and the National Rugby League (LNR). Without forgetting that certain groups of Paris Saint-Germain and Paris FC supporters are in “open conflict”. The PSG–PFC alternation to play at home would therefore be obligatory, while taking into account the Stade Français calendar.
Aurélien Tiercin with Nicolas Pelletier
