Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Fri 27 March 2026 17:15, UK

Follow us on Google Discover

Liverpool fans have been up in arms about Ligue 1’s decision to postpone PSG’s league clash with Lens, which falls in between the Champions League quarter-final legs.

Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) unanimously voted to allow the request, despite clear protest from their scheduled opponents, Lens.

The scheduling change will now see PSG’s opponents play just one game between the start of April and the 17th, before playing three games in the space of seven days in the final week of the season.

The same action has been taken in the case of Strasbourg, who have been granted a break between their Conference League matches against Mainz next month.

Liverpool’s schedule will see them host Fulham in the Premier League in between the two legs, in a game that could prove crucial for next season’s Champions League hopes.

Keith Hackett responds to PSG decision

Liverpool fans were furious with LFP’s decision, with many fans left questioning the maintenance of fair competition.

PSG’s ability to simply ask for a break in between two crucial Champions League legs seems entirely unfair, with the Reds left to deal with the congestion.

The more shocking element likely pertains to the effect on Lens, however, who, despite clearly voicing their disapproval at the potential move, have been unwillingly forced into a packed schedule.

Pierre Sage’s team are just one point behind Ligue 1 leaders PSG, and must now host the champions in the penultimate game of the season, which will take place just four days after they host Nantes.

Ex-PGMOL chief Keith Hackett is not surprised by the decision, however. Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, he said: “This often happens in Europe but rarely with Premier League Clubs.

“Those extra days afforded to PSG will help them to recharge their batteries and allow the coaching staff to practice set-piece plays, etc. It certainly gives the rested club an advantage.

“The other contributing factor is that several leagues in Europe operate with only 18 clubs, allowing for gaps in the schedules.

“In England, we have a 20 league membership, the FA Challenge Cup and the Carabao Cup competitions. There is frankly little opportunity to find gaps in a very busy schedule to allow clubs to reschedule games.”

How PSG have justified Ligue 1 postponement

The decision to postpone next month’s game has faced massive backlash in the Premier League, and certainly from Lens.

Yet decision-makers at PSG have opted to justify their request by focusing on the European coefficient.

France currently sits fifth behind Italy and Portugal in the race for an extra spot in Europe next season, and would see their chances grow if its clubs go further in their respective tournaments.

And LFP clearly agree with the sentiment, although that verdict has not been shared around the league.