While five matches, including one from New Zealand, are scheduled at the Toulouse Stadium as part of the 2023 World Cup, the uncertainty surrounding the conclusion of expansion work could exclude the enclosure from the device.
Will the 2023 World Cup stop in Toulouse? While five matches in the group stage of the competition, including the duel between New Zealand and Namibia on September 15, are to take place at the Stadium, doubt is now allowed. Indeed, according to information from the local daily The Midi Dispatch, the stadium which usually hosts the matches of the football club of the “pink city” and some beautiful posters of the Stade Toulousain is not considered to be up to standard by World Rugby due to expansion works whose completion date is uncertain. Indeed, the world body has requested security arrangements, in particular fire doors, fireproof ceilings and the establishment of emergency evacuations. In addition, World Rugby demanded a widening of the field and the extension of the two in-goals to give the green light. The initial plan provided for the start of work during the month of Novemberin order to take advantage of the truce imposed by the organization of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Rugby World Cup 2023: the Stadium of Toulouse deprived of the World Cup? https://t.co/BOppqzHbGk via @ladepechedumidi
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The metropolis of Toulouse wants to be reassuring
This work has finally seen its start postponed for several months, with a new date set for next spring. Contacted by The Midi Dispatch, the metropolis of Toulouse recognizes this delay but above all minimizes the scope of the necessary work. “Partnership work is underway with the prefecture and fire safety services to gradually lift all requirements and allow the approval of the Stadium, it was announced. These are certain small works, storage to be fitted out and other more substantial projects that cannot be carried out quickly given the amounts and studies required. » The metropolis adds that the Organizing Committee for the 2023 World Cup “is perfectly aware of this work and its consequences”. and adds that “the last works will be carried out at the end of 2023”. However, time is running out and, if the progress of the work is not satisfactory, a change of stadium for the five matches scheduled in Toulouse cannot be ruled out.