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 the match against Lens, scheduled for Saturday, April 11, as part of the 29th round of Ligue 1. Even though Lens has expressed its resistance, several media outlets believe PSG’s request could be successful. Following the latest developments on Monday, Lens released a particularly aggressive statement.
“A French league gradually relegated to the status of a mere variable to be adjusted according to the European imperatives of some.”
“Statement from Racing Club de Lens
On March 6, the schedule for the match between Racing Club de Lens and Paris Saint-Germain was finalized, formalizing a framework that everyone was then expected to adhere to.
In a spirit of responsibility and restraint, Racing Club de Lens informed Paris Saint-Germain, from the outset, of its intention not to have this date changed.” True to its commitment to sporting stability, the club had also chosen to refrain from any public communication on this matter.
However, the recent surge in statements, interventions, and various suggestions has led us to break this silence.
It appears to us that a worrying sentiment is taking hold: that of a French championship gradually being relegated to the status of a mere variable to be adjusted according to the European imperatives of certain parties. This is a peculiar conception of sporting fairness, one that is difficult to find an equivalent to in other major continental competitions.
Changing the date of this match today would mean that Racing Club de Lens would be deprived of competition for 15 days, followed by matches every three days—a schedule that corresponds neither to the one established at the beginning of the championship, nor to the resources of a club that could absorb this type of new constraint without consequence.
“Racing Club de Lens remains committed to fairness, clarity of rules, and respect for all stakeholders.” “
It would therefore seem that the league’s tenth-largest budget should adapt to the demands of the most powerful clubs, in the name of interests that clearly now extend beyond the domestic sphere, which has already been streamlined in recent seasons (Ligue 1 reduced to 18 clubs, discontinuation of the Coupe de la Ligue).
Beyond this specific case, the question raised is more fundamental: that of the respect due to the competition itself. It is legitimate to question this when, on its own soil, the league sometimes seems relegated behind other ambitions, however legitimate they may be.
Racing Club de Lens remains committed to fairness, clarity of rules, and respect for all stakeholders. Simple principles for a fair and respected French football.”
After a period of silence, RC Lens is therefore taking action, and in a particularly forceful way. It is understandable that they are against a postponement, which is entirely in their favor. Especially with this match against PSG, which could be crucial in the title race. It’s regrettable, however, that the focus is on PSG and that Strasbourg, who requested a postponement of their Europa League Conference quarter-final match against Brest, is much less mentioned in the media or in this press release.
However, some arguments are perfectly valid. There are no surprises during the season regarding the schedule. Everyone knows it in advance, and preparations must be made accordingly. Of course, Paris is in a unique situation. Last season was exceptionally long and left no room for preparation. But that’s also part of the reality for a club that competes in all competitions and was able to make moves during the transfer window.
It’s frustrating to have to rearrange everything afterward, and it’s not impossible to play while maintaining the schedule. Especially with 18 clubs in the league and the Coupe de la Ligue final. Not to mention that these postponements add to PSG’s schedule, but later on. Perhaps the extra time will allow for greater preparation. And we can understand the desire of French football to put its clubs in the best possible conditions, as victories are important for the UEFA coefficient and therefore for qualifying for European competitions. The situation is complex; the simplest solution would be to adhere to the current plan. It is also up to clubs with high ambitions at the start of the season to adapt accordingly.
