This is a decision that will infuriate the naysayers! The Professional Football League (LFP) officially announced on Thursday the postponement of Lens-PSG and Brest-Strasbourg, two matches from the 29th round of Ligue 1 originally scheduled for April 11th and 12th. The decision is intended to allow Paris Saint-Germain and RC Strasbourg to approach their European quarter-finals in better condition. Both matches have been rescheduled for Wednesday, May 13th.
The LFP's board of directors unanimously approved this double postponement, without the participation of the clubs directly affected in the vote. In its statement, the League clearly stated its position: to favor French clubs still competing in European competitions in order to preserve France's fifth place in the UEFA coefficient rankings, which guarantees four spots in the next Champions League.
For PSG, this rescheduling frees up a calendar sandwiched between their two Champions League quarter-finals against Liverpool, scheduled for April 8 and 14. Strasbourg benefits from the same arrangement before their two Conference League matches against Mainz, planned for April 9 and 16. Brest-Strasbourg was originally scheduled for April 12, right in the middle of this European run.
Lens grinds its teeth
The decision, however, does not end the controversy. Lens had opposed the postponement of their clash against PSG, denouncing the French league as a mere bargaining chip, dictated by European imperatives. The Artois club argued that such a choice undermined sporting fairness, given that the match against Paris currently pits the top two teams in the standings against each other, separated by just one point, with PSG having played one less game.
By rescheduling both matches for May 13th, the LFP has opted for a European priority. PSG and Strasbourg will have a more favorable window to prepare for Liverpool and Mainz.
