Why the OL Lyonnes v PSG LFFP Cup final is in Abidjan | OneFootball

The inaugural Coupe de la Ligue féminine final between OL Lyonnes and PSG will be staged in Abidjan on Saturday, a relocation that has angered supporters. The LFFP argues the move boosts funding and visibility for the women’s game.

According to L'Équipe, the entire competition is funded by Côte d’Ivoire’s sports ministry and about 160 journalists have been accredited. The league intends to review audiences, attendance and player feedback after the match, viewing this final as a timely spotlight that would have been smaller had it stayed in France.

OL Ang’Elles, the main Lyonnes supporters’ group, have followed the team to Chimkent in 2017 and to Istanbul last season, and hope to reach Oslo for May’s Champions League final. They oppose neutral-site relocations and will not travel to Abidjan. They want future editions to enable full mobilisation in the stands.

Introduced at the request of non-European clubs, the Coupe de la Ligue has padded out a sparse domestic calendar and handed minutes to young players.

Côte d’Ivoire is seeking to underline its organising credentials, citing strong infrastructure and know-how, and has applied to stage the men’s Trophée des Champions.

Entry at the Félix-Houphouët-Boigny, nicknamed Le Félicia, will be free. Organisers expect around 24,000 spectators, including 400 from PSG’s Ivorian fan club.

Source: L'Équipe