Parc des Princes: stadium sale becomes matter of debate prior to municipal elections in Paris

The sale of the Parc des Princes (45,000 seats) by the City of Paris is being debated during the campaign for the municipal elections (23 and 30/03/2014). "For me, this is not a taboo subject at all. This is an issue that can be discussed," said Anne Hidalgo (PS candidate, left wing), on 03/02/2014 on the website of L’Equipe.

"For me, the Parc des Princes is intimately associated with Paris SG. So why not going further?" asked Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet (UMP candidate, right wing) on the same day.

"A city selling its stadium is something unheard of!" said Charles Beigbeder (UMP candidate), on 05/02/2014. One of his colleagues, David Alphand (UMP candidate), believes that "selling the Parc des Princes, this is madness! Why not Roland Garros and then the Eiffel Tower? In a neighborhood already deeply wounded by the Roland Garros project, we must instead say enough, say stop to the sports business."

QSI (Qatar Sports Investments), owner of Paris SG has not formally announced wanting to buy the stadium from the City of Paris. Both parties have extended the stadium occupancy agreement…