PSG and Lens react to Ligue 1 title decider postponement

The LFP announced on Thursday that the Ligue 1 fixture between Paris Saint-Germain and RC Lens will be postponed in order to allow the former to better prepare for their UEFA Champions League quarter-final against Liverpool.

Initially scheduled to take place on 11th April, Lens-PSG is billed as a potential title decider in Ligue 1. Les Parisiens are currently top of the table by one point. Luis Enrique’s side also have a game in hand. However, either side of that game are ties against Liverpool (08/04, 14/04).

PSG requested that the game therefore be postponed. The current European champions did the same in March, successfully postponing their game against FC Nantes, giving them more time to prepare for the two games against Chelsea in the UCL, which they would win by an aggregate score of 8-2.

PSG highlight precedent

Lens opposed a postponement, however, the LFP have carte blanche and accepted the request. The game will now take place between the penultimate and final gameweek of the Ligue 1 season. Both clubs have now released statements acknowleding the LFP’s decision.

“Paris Saint-Germain take note of the League’s decision, in the vote for which the Club did not take part. This decision is consistent with the League’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the representation of French football on the European stage,” began the statement, seen by Get French Football News. 

“This rescheduling, which has already been implemented on several occasions, will enable the two French clubs still competing in European competitions — a rare situation for French football — to prepare in the best possible conditions for their upcoming fixtures,” the club added.

Lens reiterate disagreement

Lens responded: “While expressing their disagreement with the unanimous decision taken by the LFP Board of Directors to postpone the match against PSG, RC Lens acknowledge it responsibly, reaffirm their determination to pursue their sporting objectives and specify that ticketing arrangements will be communicated by email to each supporter.” The game will now take place on 13th May.