The concerns of the Professional Football League (LFP) regarding the scheduling issues of its European clubs have reached UEFA’s attention. Following the controversial decision by the LFP to postpone the Lens-PSG match, crucial for the title race in Ligue 1, situated between the two Champions League quarter-finals of Parisians against Liverpool, the European body has already set the dates for the Champions League semi-finals.
The schedule for the Champions League semi-finals is as follows: – Tuesday, April 28: PSG or Liverpool vs. Real or Bayern – Wednesday, April 29: Barcelona or Atletico vs. Sporting or Arsenal – Tuesday, May 5: Sporting or Arsenal vs. Barcelona or Atletico – Wednesday, May 6: Real or Bayern vs. PSG or Liverpool
In case of qualification, PSG will play their first leg match against Real Madrid or Bayern at home on Tuesday, April 28, and the second leg match on Wednesday, May 6. This allows the Parisians eight days between the two matches, unlike the quarter-finals where there were only six days.
This scheduling detail is significant as it influenced PSG’s request to postpone the Lens-PSG match. If PSG qualifies for the semi-finals, they will not be able to request a postponement for the match against Lorient on May 3 at 3:00 PM, as there is no available slot in the calendar to reschedule the match.
Typically, the schedule is established after the previous round is completed. However, UEFA decided to plan ahead to provide more visibility and allow better planning and preparation for clubs, supporters, and all other stakeholders, stated in a press release.
For the other semi-final, it will be either Barcelona or Atletico Madrid hosting the first leg on Wednesday, April 29, before the return leg is played on the field of Sporting or Arsenal.
