 |
|
Lille set for Stade de France [Fri Aug 26th, 2005]
Lille will play their home UEFA Champions League group matches at the Stade de France, the venue for May's final, the club confirmed.
Lille, who were drawn alongside Manchester United, Villarreal and Benfica in Group D, are unable to play at their Grimonprez-Jooris arena because of ongoing renovation work.
Lille played their league matches at the Villeneuve d'Ascq ground last season, but UEFA deemed the stadium unsuitable for hosting European matches.
So the northern side reached an agreement to play this year's group stage at either the Stade de France or Lens' Felix Bollaert stadium, depending on what dates their home matches fell.
The Stade de France was not available on every date in December but, following Thursday's Champions League draw in Monaco where the fixtures were also released, Lille will now become the first Ligue 1 club to be allowed to use the facilities for private use since they were built in 1998.
Lille striker Matt Moussilou, who was born in the capital, said on www.uefa.com: "We'll be playing in a prestigious arena. I was keen on playing at Bollaert but in Paris I'll be able to catch up with family and friends."
PA Sport
News headlines from around the world.