On April 17, 2025, the Conseil d'État delivered a significant ruling by rejecting the appeal from the Vinci-Bouygues Consortium, the current concessionaire of the Stade de France. This decision comes as the consortium contested the state's choice to enter into exclusive negotiations with GL Events for the management of the iconic sports complex, located in Saint-Denis, just north of Paris.
The ruling confirmed the earlier decision made by the Administrative Court of Montreuil on February 6, 2025, which had also dismissed the consortium's request to annul the attribution procedure initiated in 2023. During the hearing at the Conseil d'État on April 9, 2025, the public rapporteur recommended that the consortium's appeal be rejected, a suggestion that ultimately led to the court's final decision.
Vinci-Bouygues, which has operated the Stade de France since its inauguration in 1995, expressed its frustration over the state's decision. The consortium, which is owned two-thirds by Vinci and one-third by Bouygues, is required to hand over the keys to the stadium in just three and a half months, by early August 2025.
Following the court's ruling, GL Events is expected to continue discussions with the state, clearing the way for them to be designated as the new concessionaire of the Stade de France. This development marks a pivotal moment in the stadium's management, as it prepares for a new chapter under GL Events.
The decision by the state to enter into exclusive negotiations with GL Events has been met with mixed reactions. The French Football Federation (FFF), during its executive committee meeting, indicated that it would consider competition among stadiums to host national teams, aiming to secure the best economic conditions for its operations. This suggests that while GL Events may be moving forward, the landscape of stadium management and competition is still very much alive.
Furthermore, the question of renovation and upgrades to the Stade de France will be crucial in the coming years. Stakeholders are keen to ensure that the stadium remains a premier venue for major sporting events and entertainment for decades to come. As the clock ticks down to the handover, the urgency to finalize a sustainable model that accommodates both football and rugby federations becomes increasingly pressing.
The decision to award the 30-year concession to GL Events was initially announced by the state in early December 2023. At that time, the state had launched two parallel procedures: one aimed at selling the stadium and another focused on renewing the concession. However, the sale procedure was abandoned due to a lack of interested candidates, leading to the exclusive negotiations with GL Events.
As the current concessionaire prepares to exit, the transition to GL Events represents not just a change in management but also an opportunity for a fresh vision for the Stade de France. With the stadium being a symbol of national pride and a host for numerous significant events, including the 1998 FIFA World Cup final and the 2024 Summer Olympics, the stakes are undeniably high.
In summary, the Conseil d'État's decision has paved the way for GL Events to take over the management of the Stade de France, marking the end of an era for Vinci-Bouygues. As the new concessionaire, GL Events faces the challenge of maintaining and enhancing the stadium's status as a premier venue while navigating the complexities of stakeholder expectations and necessary renovations.
