PSG eyeing huge Parc des Princes redevelopment

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Parc des Princes revamp
Image credit: Zakarie Faibis via Wikimedia Commons

Despite uncertainties over its future at the 48,000-capacity Parc des Princes, Paris Saint-Germain is continuing to investigate possibilities for significant redevelopment work.

According to the French publication L’Équipe, PSG is considering putting a roof and a retractable pitch to the Parc des Princes as part of an ambitious expansion proposal. The stadium is owned by the City Council of Paris, and any substantial renovations would need PSG to buy the site.

PSG has many possibilities on the table, according to L’Équipe, and the club is still interested in purchasing the Stade de France. PSG must submit an offer to purchase the Stade de France by January 3.

PSG held a survey with its supporters in March about the club’s stadium alternatives, outlining four ideas. A “significant” refurbishment of the Parc des Princes, a shift to a restored Stade de France, a new stadium to the west of Paris, and a new site within a 20 kilometre radius of the Parc des Princes that may include the town of Poissy were all possibilities.

If the team is unable to execute a deal to buy the Parc des Princes, it may attempt to buy the Stade de France or relocate to one of two new locations in the city.

The French government presently owns the Stade de France through the Consortium Stade de France. In 1995, the state handed the two corporations control of the 77,083-capacity stadium under a deal with the partnership created by construction firms Vinci and Bouygues.

The agreement between Vinci and Bouygues will expire on July 1, 2025. The cost of acquiring the facility is estimated to be over $657 million, with additional expenditure necessary to transform it to the demands of a football club.

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Borussia Dortmund & Vodafone launch ‘Fan Mode’ to keep supporter attention on the pitch

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Borussia Dortmund have launched ‘Fan Mode’, a new initiative aimed to incentivise supporters to put their phones away and live in the moment while supporting their side at home matches.

Dortmund have paired with club sponsor Vodafone, with the program in use from Saturday’s 1-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt.

Under the initiative, fans can activate ‘Fan Mode’ within the Borussia Dortmund app – in a manner similar to flight mode – before locking their phone as the action kicks off. From there, time spent inactive on their phone during play equates to points, which in turn sees fans in the running for prizes – including autographed jerseys and fan shop gift cards.

‘With Vodaphone, we have a partner who not only understands what technology is capable of, but also when it should take a back seat,’ said Dortmund CEO Carsten Cramer.

‘Here, a global technology company is specifically using its innovative strength to protect the experience that no technology can replace.

‘Fan Mode sends a powerful message. Over 81,000 people in the stadium, singing, cheering, and holding their breath together: this here and now is irreplaceable.’

The move comes following a 2023 survey conducted by Vodafone themselves, which showed 63 percent of general football fans regularly use their smartphones during matches but simultaneously, listed an increase in social media, selfies and streaming at the football as an annoyance.

‘Anyone at a soccer game should experience the moment and the emotions – not just a cell phone screen,’ said Marcel de Groot, CEO of Vodafone Germany.

‘Let’s leave our smartphones in our pockets more often at the stadium and instead focus on what’s happening on the field and in the stands.’

Partaking in the initiative is completely voluntary, as is the claiming of any points or prizes.

Dortmund, managed by Niko Kovac and currently second on the Bundesliga table, led the Bundesliga’s average attendance for season 2025/26 with just under 80,000.

Their ‘Yellow Wall’ – the supporters in the Südtribüne, or South End of Westfalenstadion (known commercially as Signal Iduna Park) – are widely considered among one of the iconic sights of global football fandom.

Victorian football clubs eligible for $5,000 anti-racism grants

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Business and Community Sport Flood Recovery Grants
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Football Victoria clubs can now apply for grants of up to $5,000 as part of a new initiative to improve cultural safety, inclusion and anti-racism within their communities.

The Set The Standard Club Grants program has opened applications for eligible Victorian community sporting clubs. Up to 50 grants of $5,000 (excluding GST) are available through the initiative.

The funding is designed to help clubs turn anti-racism education into practical action. It supports projects that make football environments more welcoming and inclusive for players, families, volunteers and supporters.

Potential initiatives include multicultural or First Nations artwork, uniforms that better accommodate cultural and religious requirements, and more representative club marketing materials. Furthermore, clubs can offer additional racial literacy training for players and club leaders.

Before applying, clubs must complete the free Set The Standard anti-racism training delivered by Reflect Forward. The 60-minute program is designed for committee members, coaches, team managers, match-day officials and other club leaders. It provides practical tools to recognise and respond to racism.

Eligibility requirements include affiliation with one of the participating state sporting associations, including Football Victoria, and a valid Australian Business Number, either directly or through an eligible auspice organisation. Metropolitan clubs must have at least five representatives complete the training. However, regional clubs participating in designated collaborative sessions can qualify with at least one trained representative.

An online information session covering eligibility, eligible activities and the application process is scheduled for 29 October 2026, from 7pm to 8pm.

The grants form part of a broader Victorian initiative involving seven state sporting associations and VicHealth. This initiative aims to prevent and reduce racism in community sport.

Football clubs interested in applying can find eligibility requirements, grant guidelines and application details through the Set The Standard Club Grants website.

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