Since Paris Saint-Germain qualified for the Champions League quarter-finals against Liverpool (April 8 and 14), there has been talk of a possible postponement of their trip to Lens, scheduled for Saturday, April 11, as part of the 29th round of Ligue 1. Even though Lens has expressed its resistance, PSG’s request could be granted. Meanwhile, PSG responded to Lens’s very aggressive statement on Monday evening in an interview with the newspaper Le Parisien.
“This is in no way a challenge to the league standings.”
Those close to him emphasize that this approach, “structured and transparent, in no way calls into question the championship. The performances of French clubs competing in European competitions benefit French football as a whole, especially given that France currently occupies 6th place in the UEFA coefficient rankings for the 2025-2026 season.
The stakes are high: securing 5th place in the UEFA coefficient rankings, which would mean better representation for French football in European competitions, with up to seven clubs qualifying. Furthermore, the success of French clubs in Europe generates direct benefits for all professional clubs, not just those participating in these competitions.
“A significant opportunity for Ligue 1”
The prospect of two French clubs reaching the semi-finals of European competitions represents a significant opportunity for Ligue 1, both in sporting and economic terms. This type of rescheduling has been implemented regularly by the LFP (French Professional Football League) by the past, to the benefit of many French clubs involved in European competitions.”
The debate is complex, with valid arguments on both sides. PSG (and Strasbourg, who requested a postponement of their match against Brest in the middle of the Europa League Conference quarter-finals, as mentioned in PSG’s response) could better prepare for their matches against Liverpool without having to manage the trip to Lens in between. This is an important point for the Parisian club, but also for French football as a whole, given the economic impact, the impact on image, and the UEFA coefficient.
However, it also presents a significant additional challenge for Lens, who are in the title race and don’t understand why they should be penalized. A schedule is set at the beginning of the season, and everyone must adapt as best they can with their resources and ambitions.
All viewpoints are valid, and the Professional Football League’s decision is far from simple. What is particularly regrettable are the extreme, unnuanced opinions. A postponement wouldn’t mean that PSG controls the LFP and doesn’t care about Ligue 1. And keeping the match on the scheduled date wouldn’t be an injustice or an absolute folly for French football. Now, we need to allow time for discussion and stop the public battle, which benefits no one.
