The French Football Federation (FFF) in May named Nancy as one of nine cities that would stage games during Euro 2016. Bordeaux, Lens, Lille, Marseille, Nancy, Nice, Paris and Saint-Denis were also selected, with Saint-Etienne and Toulouse upgraded from reserve locations at a later date. Euro 2016 is set to become a landmark event for European football’s governing body as it will be the first to include 24 teams, rising from 16 for Euro 2012.
The addition of Saint-Etienne and Toulouse had meant the tournament would take place in 11 stadia spread across 10 French cities. Work was set to begin in late 2012 on a Eur70 million redevelopment for the Stade Marcel-Picot which would have added 15,000 seats and a retractable roof, bringing capacity up to 32,000. However, officials announced that no agreement could be reached between the city and the companies bidding for the renovation contract.
“We have given up on Euro 2016 and the renovation of the Marcel Picot stadium,” Nancy urban committee president Andre Rossinot told a news conference. Nancy’s removal from the planning process for Euro 2016 has seen FC Metz president Bernard Serin stake his city’s claim to be the replacement. The club, currently competing in Ligue 2, failed to make the original host city shortlist, but Serin told L’Equipe: “We’ve been candidates since day one. Our project is still available. We are currently taking administrative steps with local communities.”