On a cloud in the Champions League, Brest dreams of an exploit against Real Madrid on January 29. The Breton club hoped to bring together as many supporters as possible for this event. But a decision by Canal+ thwarts his plans.
With two days to go, Stade Brestois remains in the running for direct qualification for the round of 16 of the Champions League. The team coached by Eric Roy will have to negotiate the upcoming matches well, and in particular the visit of Real Madrid to Guingamp on January 29. Suffice to say that this prestigious meeting will generate enormous enthusiasm around SB 29. This is also the reason why the club and the city of Brest wanted to set up a fan zone. But a disagreement with the broadcaster Canal+ blocks the desired installation.
« Following numerous requests by email and telephone exchanges, and an official letter dated December 13, 2024 from François Cuillandre, mayor of Brest (Finistère), to the UEFA governing bodies, the only ones authorized to examine this request, an official response was received today stipulating that UEFA will not grant the possibility of organizing new fan zones due to its contractual obligations with its commercial partners in particular the broadcaster holding the national rights of retransmission », Said Stade Brestois in a press release.
Canal+ said no
A decision confirmed by UEFA according to the daily Ouest-France. “ Canal + has confirmed its position to limit this (broadcasting) agreement to a single match for this season in view of the impact that this type of broadcast has on the economic model of their exclusive rights », relay our colleagues, knowing that the Pirates have already benefited from a fan zone on November 26, when they lost on the pitch of FC Barcelona (3-0).
Within its rights, the French broadcaster of European competitions has therefore decided not to impact its audience. Even if it means disappointing Brest mayor François Cuillandre. “ I regret that the exceptional course of the SB29 cannot be shared by a larger number of spectators in a friendly, festive and secure setting such as this fan zone allowed. », Reacted the elected official, aware that Brest could experience a historic evening.
France
