Lille suffer stadium setback
Thursday, July 7, 2005
Article summary
LOSC Lille Métropole will not return to the Grimonprez-Jooris and may stage European games in Lens or Paris.
Article body
Court ruling
The court ruled today that the work would damage the environmental and historical heritage of the surrounding area, as the ground is situated in an urban park near fortifications that were built in the 17th century. The Grimonprez-Jooris has been Lille's home since 1975, with the club initially moving to the Lille Métropole stadium on a temporary basis in June 2004 to allow for the planned renovations.
'No extra time'
A club statement read: "LOSC take note of the appeal court decision made today. We believe that the referee has whistled for the end of the game. We think there cannot be extra time, the renovation of the Grimonprez-Jooris stadium is over. This stadium will never again stage a professional football game."
Stadium options
Last season, Lille won the UEFA Intertoto Cup, reached the UEFA Cup round of 16, and finished second in Ligue 1 at the Lille Métropole, but the arena does not comply with Champions League criteria. The stadium will continue to host their domestic matches but when they come into the Champions League group stage, Lille look set to play at either the Stade de France or the Félix-Bollaert stadium in nearby Lens.
Lille ambition
"LOSC, the fans and the whole city now await a worthy stadium as soon as possible," the statement continued. "Alongside the local authority we want to build a big stadium complying with European standards."
