A match within the match! This Thursday, March 26, in the morning, the board of directors of the Professional Football League (LFP) must deliver its verdict. Announce whether the French Championship match between PSG and RC Lens, its runner-up in Ligue 1 and a serious contender for the title, is maintained on the original date of April 11 or is ultimately rescheduled.
The Parisian club, who is set to play their Champions League quarter-final against Liverpool on April 8 and 14, had indeed requested the French football authorities to reschedule the top Ligue 1 clash to a different date in order to better prepare for their European challenge. PSG had already informed RC Lens President Joseph Oughourlian last Saturday.
A request rejected by the Northern club. In an interview with L’Équipe newspaper, Benjamin Parrot, the general manager of RC Lens, explains his club’s position. While the words are measured, the tone is firm. The palpable anger.
While he understands the approach of the French champions – “they are within their rights,” the director believes that the role of the LFP is to defend its championship first and foremost. “Factually, PSG has chosen the Champions League, like Canal +, its broadcaster,” Parrot says. “Now, if the LFP does not defend Ligue 1, who will? If it does not defend the continuity and respect for what Ligue 1 is, who will? The fact that the LFP, as the guardian of the competition, can have changing decisions raises questions of sporting fairness.”
And to expand. “When we start the season, we have the tenth budget, we build a team and a strategy to play the Championship and the Coupe de France. The fact that the reigning European champions can still be engaged in the Cup competitions in spring is good news, but it is not insignificant. Now, we are asking to change a known schedule, for which a programming has been done. We realize that Ligue 1 is becoming the adjustment variable of the Champions League.”
A decision favorable to PSG would also pose a problem for Lens, who would see their matches scheduled at the end of the season while they are in contention for two trophies in Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France.
“If we move this match to May 6 or 13, the proposed dates, it would mean that we would not have competition for fifteen days and then we would have a series of matches,” the Lens director retorts. “When we reschedule, normally both parties agree, like Nantes who gave their consent (to reschedule the PSG away game from March 15 to April 2). Here, we are in a situation where one of the parties cannot have a say.”
Response expected this Thursday morning.
