France, controversy as PSG v Marseille clashes with Ballon d'Or ceremony | OneFootball

In France, controversy has erupted over the overlap between PSG-Marseille and the 2025 Ballon d'Or ceremony, scheduled for this evening in Paris. The French champions, who were expected to be major players at the gala evening organized by France Football, find themselves forced to take the field at the Velodrome almost simultaneously with the awarding of the most prestigious football prize.

France, controversy over the coincidence between PSG-Marseille and the Ballon d'Or ceremony

The postponement and the prefecture's decision

The match between Marseille and PSG was initially postponed due to bad weather. However, the new date set has inevitably created tensions.

PSG had requested another postponement or, alternatively, to play in the afternoon, allowing the key figures to attend the ceremony.

Marseille, for its part, defended the regularity of the schedule, also in view of the mini training camp in Rome planned by Roberto De Zerbi starting tomorrow.

In the end, the prefecture intervened, mandating the match to take place this evening, making the overlap with the Parisian event unavoidable.

Dembélé in Paris, Luis Enrique and the team on the field

The only one able to attend the ceremony will be Ousmane Dembélé, currently sidelined due to injury. The French forward is the favorite to win the Ballon d'Or and will be in Paris tonight to try to succeed Rodri.

The other PSG players, as well as coach Luis Enrique, will not be able to participate. A significant absence, considering the Spanish coach is tipped as the probable winner of the Johan Cruyff award for the best coach of the year.

Anticipation for Donnarumma

Among the evening's awardees could also be Gianluigi Donnarumma, the number one candidate for the Yashin Trophy as the best goalkeeper of 2025. However, the Italian has moved to England, specifically to Guardiola's City, after a rather eventful summer...

The controversy in France

The issue has sparked debate in the French media. On one side, PSG claims the centrality of the Parisian evening, especially after the historic Champions League victory, while on the other, Marseille insists on the need to respect the fans and the sports calendar. The decisive factor was the choice of local authorities, who prioritized public order management.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.