The day after the draw for the round of 16 of the Coupe de France, the Espaly club (N3) contacted the Clermont rugby club to play in its Marcel-Michelin venue against PSG. This is the only option considered by amateurs for the moment despite the different tracks mentioned such as the Vélodrome or Geoffroy-Guichard.
A few hours after the euphoria and joy of the draw, time for organization. While the FC Espaly club will not be able to host PSG in its stadium – nestled between the cliffs – with just over 2,000 seats, one option is on the table: the Marcel-Michelin enclosure, usually occupied by… . the ASM Clermont Auvergne rugby club.
The amateur club and the Top 14 club made contact and reached an agreement. “I have a strong Auvergne identity,” smiles Espaly president Christian Perbet. His relations with ASM Clermont-Auvergne make things simpler since Christian Perbet processes, as part of his job (in marketing consulting), the rugby club's data which concerns the supporters.
The FFF must still validate this option
But the decision is not official since the prefecture and the FFF must meet to discuss organizational arrangements, particularly regarding security. In any case, this is the only option launched for the moment, which appeared obvious to the president of the N3 club, who believes that “Michelin deserves to welcome PSG”.
“I am convinced that the Auvergne public will respond and that we will be able to fill this stadium with 19,000 seats. It is a venue which is used to hosting European Cup matches, this would allow everyone to be welcomed in good conditions”, he argued in comments reported by L'Equipe.
Other possible but ruled out options
If the Espaviots had been able to host Dijon (National) in their Viouzou stadium during their historic victory in the 32nd final (1-1, 4-3 on the tabs), this will undoubtedly not be the case against the captain's club . Glued to one of the walls of an old basalt and sand quarry, the stadium will probably not be approved for the round of 16.
The option of the Gabriel-Montpied stadium, which hosts Clermont Foot, is currently ruled out by FC Espaly because it is under construction and does not have as many boxes as the Marcel-Michelin. Geoffroy-Guichard, in Saint-Etienne, could have been an option. This is also what the coach, Lionel Vaillant, suggested on Sunday at the microphone of RMC. But Espaly fears not filling it and believes that moving closer to Clermont is more logical.
Although the venue has not yet been decided, the meeting, scheduled for January 15, is already to the delight of the amateur club. Gathered in the village bar at the time of the draw, the members of FC Espaly exploded with joy when they learned that they were going to face the winner of the match between Paris and Lens, ultimately won by PSG (1-1 , 4-3 at the tab). “We had Christmas before its time,” rejoiced Lionel Vaillant. “It’s great for the whole club, the players, it rewards all the work of the people at the club.”
