In an unyielding and definitive action, the Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, who has held the office since 2014, sent a decisive message this morning to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), the football club presided over by Nasser Al-Khelaïfi. The message focused on the club’s aspiration to purchase the Parc des Princes, a famous stadium in Paris. Hidalgo firmly asserted, “I reiterate today, unequivocally and for the final time: there will be no sale of the Parc des Princes. This stadium is an integral part of Parisian heritage. The issue is no longer up for discussion.” This statement, made in an interview with the French publication Ouest-France, echoes Hidalgo’s stance that she had previously communicated to the readers of Le Parisien about a year ago.
In an upcoming session, the Paris Council is expected to endorse Hidalgo’s stance with a vote aimed at reasserting that “the PSG owner’s ambition to purchase the stadium cannot override the collective desire for this iconic venue to continue being a part of Parisian heritage.” In the same interview with Ouest-France, Hidalgo further clarifies her position, stating, “During the Football World Cup in Qatar, the City was quite harshly criticized with allegations of hindering the club’s growth. More recently, there have been some egregious remarks. This is all far from being serious.”
In the end, Hidalgo reiterates her love for football and her support for PSG, her home team: “Let me make this clear: we are willing to consider and back the transformation of the Parc des Princes.” This is a subject that will likely restart discussions between Anne Hidalgo, the Paris city council, Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, and PSG. However, the rapport between these two former allies has noticeably soured over the years, especially concerning the subject of the Parc des Princes.
