Olympique Lyonnais is set to kick off its Ligue 1 campaign on August 22 with an away fixture against Toulouse. The club had approached the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) seeking to reschedule this encounter, which was slated to occur just days after a potential UEFA Champions League playoff match. However, the LFP has declined this proposed adjustment.
Tensions between the LFP and Olympique Lyonnais have surfaced even before the season’s official start. With their opening Ligue 1 fixture against Toulouse FC scheduled for August 22, the Rhone-based club’s management formally requested the professional football league to postpone the game. The core reason for this appeal was the possibility of the match falling squarely between the two legs of a crucial UEFA Champions League playoff, should OL advance from the preceding qualifying round.
Considering this a legitimate concern, the Lyon board duly informed the LFP of their request via official correspondence.
To bolster their case, OL invoked the “PSG precedent,” emphasizing the broader interests of French football. They highlighted how the Parisian club had previously secured multiple match postponements last season, allowing them optimal preparation for their European commitments.
Potential playoff between two league matchdays for OL
Consequently, and appealing to the principle of fairness, the seven-time French champions confidently anticipated a favorable response from the League.
However, contrary to their expectations, the LFP’s Administrative Council ultimately rejected the proposition. The governing body firmly stated its unwillingness to disrupt the Ligue 1 television broadcast schedule, particularly on the inaugural matchday.
This decision represents an initial calendar blow for Paulo Fonseca‘s squad. The Gones now face a demanding late August schedule as they strive for a coveted spot in the UEFA Champions League.
