Olympique Lyonnais’ Ligue 1 season begins August 22 in Toulouse. The club had formally requested the LFP to rearrange this fixture, scheduled just days after a crucial Champions League playoff. However, the LFP has rejected this proposed alteration.
Anticipated disputes between the Ligue de football professionnel (LFP) and Olympique Lyonnais have surfaced even before the new season’s kickoff. As they prepare to face Toulouse FC on August 22 for the opening round of Ligue 1, Lyon’s management approached the professional football league with a plea to postpone the encounter. The rationale behind this request was that the match could potentially fall between the two legs of a vital Champions League playoff round, should OL successfully advance from the preceding stage.
This was deemed a legitimate concern by the Lyon hierarchy, who formally communicated their request to the LFP via official correspondence.
To bolster their argument, Olympique Lyonnais invoked the “PSG precedent,” emphasizing the broader interests of French football. Paris Saint-Germain had previously benefited from several match postponements in the last season, allowing them ample preparation for their European commitments.
Potential Champions League playoff clash for OL between league fixtures
Consequently, the seven-time French champions fully anticipated a favorable response from the League, believing it aligned with principles of sporting fairness.
Nevertheless, the LFP’s administrative council unexpectedly turned down the proposal. The governing body stated its unwillingness to disrupt the meticulously planned Ligue 1 television broadcast schedule, especially right from the inaugural matchday.
This decision marks an initial scheduling challenge for Paulo Fonseca‘s squad. The Gones will now face a demanding late August period as they strive for a coveted spot in the Champions League group stage.