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MHR under pressure: Altrad threatens to move stadium to Béziers!
Mohed Altrad is urging the city of Montpellier to renovate the stadium as a move to Béziers threatens. Future of the MHR in danger.
MHR under pressure: Altrad threatens to move stadium to Béziers!
The situation surrounding Montpellier Hérault Rugby (MHR) and the GGL Stadium continues to deteriorate. Mohed Altrad, the club's president, has wanted to take over the Manoir's outdated stadium ensemble for years. But this plan faces resistance from Montpellier's last two mayors, Philippe Saurel and Michaël Delafosse. A conflict between the MHR and the city administration is becoming increasingly visible Le Figaro reported.
Recently, Altrad got serious and threatened to leave the GGL Stadium. The reason for this is the poor condition of the facility, which opened in 2007. The MHR described the stadium as “outdated, old and dangerous” and emphasized that it no longer met the demands of a high-class club. Last season, games against Toulon and Castres even had to be moved to Béziers, around 70 kilometers away, because the condition of the pitch was intolerable.
Difficult season and a look into the future
At a press conference in Vic-la-Gardiole, Altrad drew a mixed conclusion about the 2024-2025 season, in which his team finished ninth. Despite the unfortunate results, the president praised the commitment of the young coaching team around Joan Caudullo. “We have to trust the staff and set ourselves the goal of getting into the top 6 for next season,” said Altrad. However, the problems with the GGL Stadium remained a constant challenge. The conflict with the city continues to dominate the headlines, and Altrad is thinking out loud Rugbyrama even considered moving to Lunel, which is about 35 kilometers northeast of Montpellier.
Altrad has signaled its willingness to invest up to 200 million euros in a new stadium. However, such a construction project could take at least two years and therefore does not solve the acute problems immediately. Meanwhile, the GGL Stadium remains a burden for the club due to the ongoing dispute with the city. Altrad hinted that a return to the Raoul-Barrière Stadium in Béziers for the start of next season would also be possible.
The future of the MHR in limbo
Fans and those responsible are wondering what the next step for the MHR could be. The economic consequences of controversial decentralization cannot be ignored. So far, the moves to Béziers have brought mixed results both sportingly and financially.
In this uncertain environment, it remains to be hoped that the MHR will find a solution that will not only allow the team but also the passionate fans to thrive again. The next few months could be crucial for the future of Montpellier as a rugby location.