The Collectif Ultras Paris has announced that it will not attend the Trophée des Champions match between RC Lens and Paris Saint-Germain. In a statement released on X, the group criticizes the decision to hold the match at the Stade Bollaert rather than at a neutral venue, as well as a ticket allocation they deem deeply unfair.
“Matches of this kind should be played on neutral ground, with a fair distribution of tickets between the two clubs’ supporters. The Collectif Ultras Paris has decided not to travel to Lens for the Trophée des Champions.
Once again, LFP officials—whose incompetence is well-established—have failed to organize this event properly or turn it into a genuine celebration for the fans. They left it to the luck of a draw to decide which club would host the match on its home turf… A truly absurd decision.
Of course, everyone is free to choose whether or not to attend the match. As for us, we will not be participating.”
Beyond a mere logistical disagreement, the CUP raises a fundamental question of fairness. A trophy match played on the home ground of one of the two participants inevitably gives that team a more favorable environment, even if the venue was determined by a draw. Compounding this is a ticket allocation that prevents both sides from having a comparable impact in the stands.
The protest is therefore directed primarily at the method chosen by the LFP. Having failed to secure a neutral venue and a balanced organizational plan, the governing body turned to chance as a policy solution. On paper, the draw treats both clubs equally. In practice, it results in a home final for RC Lens and forces Paris Saint-Germain supporters to accept a minority position. Under these circumstances, it is difficult to portray the event as a truly fair celebration for the general public.
