LFP declines OL’s request to reschedule opening Ligue 1 fixture

Olympique Lyonnais had sought a conditional postponement for their initial Ligue 1 match, a request contingent upon their advancement to the UEFA Champions League play-offs. To secure a spot in the prestigious C1 group stage, the Lyon squad must first navigate the third preliminary round, with the first leg scheduled for August 4 or 5, followed by the return leg on August 11 or 12. Should they succeed, they would then face the play-off round – the ultimate hurdle before the Champions League proper – with matches set for August 18 or 19 (first leg) and August 25 or 26 (second leg).

The core issue arises from the Ligue 1 opening day, slated for August 22. This date falls directly between the two critical Champions League play-off encounters. It was precisely to mitigate this scheduling conflict that OL had formally requested a deferral of their away game against Toulouse. The club maintained that a less congested calendar would significantly enhance their prospects of achieving Champions League qualification, a goal of paramount importance.

Furthermore, Olympique Lyonnais’ leadership also emphasized that their presence in the Champions League would yield substantial benefits for French football as a whole, bolstering its reputation and financial standing on the European stage.

However, during its meeting this Monday, the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) ultimately rejected OL’s appeal. The governing body cited concerns that commencing the Ligue 1 season with a postponed fixture was undesirable, particularly as the entire championship is set to be broadcast on its new platform, requiring a streamlined and consistent launch.

Consequently, barring any unforeseen calendar adjustments, Olympique Lyonnais will face a demanding schedule if they reach the Champions League play-offs. They would be required to play a crucial European match, immediately followed by an away Ligue 1 fixture in Toulouse, and then the decisive return leg of their European play-off, all within the span of a single week.