FC Versailles Demands Action on Return to Stade Montbauron

Versailles, France – In a bold move ahead of the municipal elections, FC Versailles has issued a public appeal to all six candidates vying to turn into the next mayor of Versailles, urging them to prioritize the club’s return to its historic home, Stade Montbauron. The call comes as the club continues to face the unusual situation of being the only professional football club in France’s top three divisions unable to play matches within its own city limits.

The situation, as it stands, is increasingly untenable for the ambitious club. Since earning promotion to the National 3 league in 2022, FC Versailles has been forced to play its home matches in a series of temporary locations, a logistical challenge for both the team and its growing fanbase. The club first spent two and a half seasons at the Stade Jean-Bouin in Paris, followed by a six-month stint in Chambly, located nearly two hours away. Currently, they play at the Stade Georges Lefèvre in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, a venue with limited covered seating – just 233 spaces – for supporters.

This nomadic existence is particularly frustrating given the club’s recent success and burgeoning popularity. FC Versailles has seen its social media following explode, gaining over 300,000 followers in the past two years. The club also boasts the backing of Formula One driver Pierre Gasly, who became a shareholder in March 2024, signaling a new era of investment and ambition.

A Royal Decree Hinders Return to Montbauron

The root of the problem lies in a unique restriction stemming from the proximity of Stade Montbauron to the Palace of Versailles. According to the Direction régionale des affaires culturelles (DRAC) d’Île-de-France, the château benefits from “reinforced protection to ensure that no urban object encroaches upon it.” This translates to a prohibition on any light sources being visible from the King’s chamber, effectively preventing the stadium from hosting evening matches – a necessity for any team competing in the National 3 league and soon, the future Ligue 3 Professional.

The club acknowledges the historical sensitivity surrounding the Palace of Versailles but believes a solution is within reach. FC Versailles asserts it has “identified a new technical solution, designed to respect the heritage constraints of the site, in line with the principles validated in 2023 by the Architects of Buildings of France.” This proposed solution, details of which were not immediately available, aims to address previous concerns raised by local residents regarding light pollution.

A previous attempt to install lighting at the stadium was abandoned following objections from neighbors. This time, the club is proposing a retractable lighting system designed to minimize peripheral light nuisance and is even offering to contribute 3.2 million euros towards the project. They also propose limiting match attendance to 2,990 spectators, half of the stadium’s 7,545 capacity, to further mitigate any potential disruption to the surrounding area.

Alternative Plans and a Growing Frustration

While the focus remains on returning to Montbauron, FC Versailles has also been exploring alternative options. Discussions were underway in January regarding the construction of a new 5,000 to 10,000-seat stadium in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines. However, the club’s preference remains a return to its historical home.

“We simply want to allow the people of Versailles to support their team at home, as is the case everywhere else in France,” stated FC Versailles president Alexandre Mulliez. “We hope that this unique anomaly in French football can finally be corrected.”

The club’s appeal comes at a critical juncture, just five days before the first round of the municipal election. The issue has become a key talking point in the local campaign, with FC Versailles hoping that the candidates will recognize the importance of resolving the stadium situation for the benefit of the club and the wider community.

The current situation at Stade Georges Lefèvre highlights the challenges faced by the club. The limited covered seating capacity is a particular concern, especially during inclement weather. The club’s success on the pitch – currently fifth in National 3 and still in contention for promotion to Ligue 2 – is further fueling the desire for a more suitable home ground.

FC Versailles’s predicament is a complex one, balancing sporting ambition with the preservation of a UNESCO World Heritage site. The club believes that a compromise can be reached, allowing them to play at Stade Montbauron without compromising the integrity of the Palace of Versailles. The outcome of the mayoral election could prove pivotal in determining the future of the club and its relationship with the city it represents.

The next step for FC Versailles is awaiting responses from the mayoral candidates. The club hopes to engage in constructive dialogue and present its proposed solution in detail. Fans can follow updates on the club’s official website, fcversailles.com, for the latest developments.

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