Brest could use Stade de France as their Champions League home venue in 2025 - almost three years since the controversy that sparked at Liverpool vs Real Madrid
Sport
Comment
Stade de France hosted the 2022 Champions League final
Stade de France hosted the 2022 Champions League final
(Image: Getty Images)
Brest have made contact with the Stade de France over using the 80,000-seater stadium as a temporary ground in the Champions League, it has been claimed. The Ligue 1 side have guaranteed at least a play-off spot in Europe's elite club competition following a 1-0 win over PSV on Tuesday.
Having recorded four wins, a draw and a defeat from their opening six Champions League matches, Brest sit fifth in the new format and with a genuine chance of a top-eight finish, which would secure automatic qualification for the last 16. However, if Brest finish between ninth and 24th, they will go into a two-legged knockout play-off.
Regardless of where they finish following their final two league phase matches - a trip to Shahktar Donetsk and a home game against Real Madrid - in January, Brest's Champions League campaign will continue well into 2025. But they do have an issue; they won't be able to use their current temporary home.
READ MORE: 'I can't see them getting all three done' - Rio Ferdinand predicts huge Liverpool transfer exitREAD MORE: Liverpool bound goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili suffers injury blow as official statement released
Brest are using Guingamp's Stade du Roudourou, but they won't be allowed to stage Champions League matches in that venue next year without extension and refurbishment in TV crew area. Alternative stadiums are being considered, with the Rennes' Roazhon Park among those considered.
And according to L'Equipe, Stade de France is another that could host Brest, with the France national stadium contacted by Brest over using the arena. However, the report added that Brest's decision to move to the Stade de France will depend on their opponent's standing in the Champions League.
Stade de France hasn't hosted a Champions League game since the 2022 final between Liverpool and Real Madrid. And it would be controversial if the stadium hosted matches in the competition after some Liverpool fans endured a harrowing experience while trying to enter the Stade de France for the 1-0 defeat to Los Blancos.
Thousands of Liverpool supporters were penned in against perimeter fences outside the Stade de France by police, with the kick-off delayed by more than half an hour. Some had been targeted by local youths trying to steal their tickets, while others were robbed after leaving the stadium.
And the Liverpool fans that made personal injury claims after the final in Paris managed to reach a compensation agreement. UEFA confirmed back in March that a "full and final settlement" had been agreed with supporters.
"UEFA has already taken a number of steps following the 2022 final, including implementing recommendations from the independent review and establishing a special refund scheme," UEFA said in a statement.
"Today, it has gone further by ensuring that Liverpool fans represented by Pogust Goodhead and Bingham Long receive a sum by way of compensation in relation to the difficulties and challenges that they were confronted with.
"The parties have agreed the terms of this statement but that the terms of the settlement will otherwise remain confidential. The settlement agreement has been made without any admission of liability. UEFA is pleased to have reached a common position which it is hoped provides closure for the fans."