Newly elected Paris mayor Emmanuel Grégoire has set a summer deadline to end the protracted dispute with Paris Saint-Germain over the future of the Parc des Princes, signalling a renewed effort to break the deadlock.
Grégoire announced on Monday that a special session of the Paris Council will be convened in mid-April to restart negotiations with the club’s Qatari owners. Both parties are aiming to reach a clear resolution “by the end of the summer,” he told France Info.
The long-running impasse intensified under former mayor Anne Hidalgo, who firmly ruled out selling the historic stadium. That stance effectively stalled talks and pushed PSG to consider relocating to alternative sites outside the capital, including Massy and Poissy.
While acknowledging resistance within his own political bloc—particularly from Green councillors opposed to the sale of a major public asset—Grégoire indicated a more pragmatic approach. He said he would be open to a sale, provided it is governed by strict safeguards.
PSG, the reigning European champions, have insisted that ownership of the stadium is a non-negotiable condition for any significant redevelopment, arguing that expansion of the Parc des Princes is essential to sustaining the club’s growth. The club has repeatedly stated it will not invest further in the venue without owning it.
In a bid to bridge the divide, Grégoire outlined two possible routes: extending PSG’s long-term lease or negotiating a controlled sale, potentially including heritage protections and a buyback option for the city.
“I need a mandate,” he said, emphasising that any final decision would be made by the Paris Council rather than the mayor alone.
“We have a deep emotional attachment to our club, and we want it to remain in Paris, so we must create the conditions for it to stay,” he added.
Grégoire also revealed he has already held discussions with PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi following his recent election victory, reiterating the city’s desire to retain the club while ensuring public funds are not used to finance a professional football stadium.
Any proceeds from a potential sale, he noted, would be reinvested into grassroots sports facilities and green spaces across the French capital.
PSG currently hold a lease on the Parc des Princes until 2044.
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