On a general note, France have the worst stadiums out of any major league. They are old, dilapidated, and embarrassing. Most clubs have been trying to address this situation, but there are so many monetary and legal issues that it can take years to resolve stadium renovations. That’s because it’s often more difficult and expensive to upgrade old stadiums. Many of them are classified as historical landmarks, or they were built in such a way that it’s no longer possible to expand them in size without tearing down surrounding neighborhoods. Also, due to higher standards, it’s no longer an option to simply put on a fresh coat of paint. People want more amenities, which can’t necessarily be accommodated in an older stadium. So it’s cheaper to simply build a new stadium.

But the problem is that people don’t want huge stadiums and their attendant problems (construction, traffic, pollution, etc) cluttering their neighborhoods. Yet at the same time, they also don’t want stadiums outside the city limits because it’s less accessible. But they still want their stadiums.

Another problem is that nearly all stadiums are owned by the town, so most construction is funded by the taxpayer. It’s difficult to get approval for so much money thanks to the rising cost of building and materials.

It’s really hard to find a compromise. Lyon, despite offering to privately fund their own stadium, can’t get a building permit because the city is worried about public transportation to the stadium. This issue will keep stadium plans locked up for at least a year. Marseille have been trying to put a roof on the Velodrome for years. And let’s not even talk about Lille’s problems.

Ligue 1 can be so depressing sometimes. I mean, how sad is it that France’s most modern stadium houses a small, newly promoted club (Grenoble)?

As it relates to the stadium, I’m hopeful for a upgrade that is respectful of the area and not at the hands of foreign developers. However Nice, Monaco or Cannes are not easily comparable to anything in sport because to build a large stadium on the Côte d’Azur might be one the most difficult undertakings in sport, much less real estate.

Of course if you want to speak about complex stadium issues, consider Cagliari of Seria A – a stunning location that any player should be overjoyed with a contract offer but a small stadium. And one of my favourite places – Venice club Venezia -

And thanks to both of you for your input on the stadium situation. J, I instinctively agree with you on the appeal of small, intimate grounds, but from a purely financial point of view, that might not be tenable. As you’ve said, it’s a business issue more than anything else, and Sportboy’s pointed out the obvious reason a bigger ground makes sense (especially, it seems, if you don’t live anywhere near it). It’s got to be a very, very hard sell to convince the new government and those who own the real estate to build small when all they can see is the potential € associated with 40,000 seats.

The stadium issue is a foolhardy choice that involves real estate developers from outside the region, governments who wish to bolster revenue against citizens who know a large stadium would not only sit half-empty but be an environmental nightmare and infringe upon the area. I don’t think you could find a resident of the general area who wants to see the French countryside scarred with a large stadium or the necessary road system.