PSG request to move Lens match faces firm pushback as LFP weighs postponement | OneFootball

Paris Saint-Germain and Strasbourg have asked the LFP to postpone league fixtures that sit between their European quarter-final legs. According to L'Équipe, Lens repeated their opposition on Monday to moving PSG’s visit.

PSG want Lens v PSG on Saturday 11 April at 17:00 moved, as it sits between Liverpool ties on Wednesday eight and Tuesday 14 April. Strasbourg seek a new date for Brest v Strasbourg on Sunday 12 April at 17:15, which falls between Conference League quarter-finals with Mainz on Thursday nine and 16 April.

The LFP board meets on Thursday morning to decide on both games, including a meeting of clubs split by one point. PSG also have a game in hand after Nantes was postponed between last-16 wins over Chelsea, 5-2 and 3-0.

Under Article 22 of the league statutes, the board can set and amend the calendar in-season and does not require opponents’ consent. Lens coach Pierre Sage restated his refusal after Friday’s 5-1 win over Angers, acknowledging extra rest can help but insisting his team should not bear the consequences.

In a club statement, Lens framed the issue as one of protecting the competition, warning against bending to the biggest budgets and noting the domestic calendar has already been lightened, the top flight cut to 18 clubs and the League Cup abolished. The club said it remains committed to fairness, clear rules and respect.

Brest had not commented on Monday. If postponed despite Lens’ stance, the matches would be played between matchdays 33 on nine May and 34 on 16 May, the final available slot, leaving Paris and Strasbourg no further leeway should they reach the semi-finals.

Source: L'Équipe