Brest's Champions League Journey Begins at Roudourou Stadium
In a significant development for Stade Brestois 29, the club announced that it will host its Champions League matches this season at the Roudourou stadium in Guingamp, located just 1 hour and 15 minutes from Brest. This decision comes after UEFA deemed the Francis-Le Blé stadium unsuitable for European competitions due to safety concerns. The announcement was made on X (formerly Twitter) on August 27, highlighting the club's commitment to providing a competitive environment for its players and supporters.
UEFA's Safety Concerns and the Agreement with Guingamp
UEFA's reservations regarding the Francis-Le Blé stadium included issues with three of its four stands, which were found to rest on prohibited tubular structures. Additionally, the stadium did not meet requirements for security operations, press facilities, and player safety. In response, Stade Brestois 29 sought an alternative venue and reached an agreement with EA Guingamp to utilize the Roudourou stadium. This partnership not only allows Brest to participate in the prestigious Champions League but also brings European football back to Guingamp, a decade after the club's last appearance in the Europa League.
Looking Ahead: Champions League Group Stage and Youth League Matches
Stade Brestois 29 is set to play four home matches at Roudourou, with the draw for the Champions League group stage taking place on Thursday in Monaco. The competition kicks off on September 17 and will run until January 29. Meanwhile, the club's U19 team will continue to play at the Francis-Le Blé stadium, with their Youth League draw scheduled for September 3 at UEFA headquarters in Nyon. This dual opportunity allows Brest to showcase its talent at various levels while engaging its fanbase in the excitement of European football.
