Last Thursday, after lengthy debates, the Professional Football League (LFP) approved Paris Saint-Germain’s request to postpone their match against Lens, scheduled for Saturday, April 11, as part of the 29th round of Ligue 1 (rescheduled for Wednesday, May 13), in order to fully concentrate on the Champions League quarter-finals (April 8 and 14). The same applies to the match between Strasbourg and Brest, between the Europa League Conference quarter-finals and Mainz. However, this decision has not gone down well with Lens supporters, who have appealed to the French National Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSF) to overturn it. As reported by Le Parisien, Lens supporters denounce it as “a direct attack on sporting fairness.”
“We strongly contest this interpretation of the regulations for the following reasons.”
“The press release states that the LFP can only postpone a match ‘in exceptional circumstances.’ A qualification it refutes: ‘To justify this postponement (as well as that of Stade Brestois – RC Strasbourg), the LFP cites the request from the clubs involved to prepare for their European quarter-finals and a strong strategic objective aimed at maintaining France’s fifth place in the UEFA coefficient ranking.’
‘We strongly contest this interpretation of the regulations for the following reasons: A strategy is not an exceptional circumstance. (…) Preserving the UEFA coefficient is a long-standing political and strategic objective of the League, and the presence of French clubs in the quarter-finals of European cups is the logical continuation of the sporting season. There is no unforeseen circumstance here justifying the activation of Article 411 (Editor’s note: relating to calendar changes by the LFP),’ it asserts, adding that exempting PSG ‘from their “National obligations during the season simply distort the Ligue 1 championship.”
It’s perfectly understandable that Lens fans are unhappy with this season, especially since this home game against PSG, top of the table with a one-point lead over RCL (and a game in hand), seemed like the perfect opportunity to secure valuable points. However, it remains to be seen whether this attempt to overturn the decision will succeed, particularly if it comes “only” from the supporters.
Let’s wait and see how it turns out, but time is running out as the first match date is fast approaching. All this controversy surrounding the postponement is regrettable. It makes sense for PSG, but it’s also indeed questionable, given that the schedule is known at the start of the season and preparations must align with ambitions. Even the unique summer of 2025, with the Club World Cup, is a factor to consider.
