Rennes Take PSG Fixture Dispute to CNOSF

Rennes have opened a new front in their dispute with Paris Saint-Germain, taking their Ligue 1 fixture case to the French National Olympic and Sports Committee after being told they must travel to the Parc des Princes in March.

Rennes challenge PSG return-leg decision

The Breton club filed its case with the CNOSF on Friday, contesting the Ligue de Football Professionnel ruling that confirmed the return match against PSG will be played in Paris on the weekend of 6 March, during Ligue 1 Matchday 23.

The dispute stems from the opening meeting between the sides. PSG were originally due to host Rennes at the Parc des Princes, but summer heat had damaged the pitch and left the stadium unable to stage the game. Rennes agreed at short notice to switch the fixture to Roazhon Park, where the teams drew 2-2 on 23 August.

Rennes accepted the arrangement believing it would not affect the scheduled return game, which they expected to host. Instead, the LFP competitions commission decided on 28 August that both fixtures should be reversed: Rennes hosted the first match and PSG will host the second.

Paris fined after pitch failure

PSG were fined €150,000 after the LFP concluded that the club had failed to provide a playable pitch for the first Ligue 1 weekend.

Rennes believe that punishment underlines their argument. The club’s position is that it should not be required to carry the sporting consequences of a problem for which Paris were sanctioned, particularly after organising the rearranged home fixture in only four days.

The club also feel their supporters were disadvantaged by the late change, with many fans away during the holiday period when the first match was moved to Rennes.

Rennes reject the suggestion that the heatwave should automatically be treated as an exceptional circumstance removing PSG’s organisational responsibility. They also maintain that Paris made limited efforts to identify an alternative venue for the original fixture.

Travel concern for Rennes

Beyond the principle of the decision, Rennes have highlighted the practical impact on their calendar. Playing the return game in Paris would leave them with a demanding sequence of away fixtures around late February and early March, including trips to Marseille, PSG and Le Mans.

That run could become even heavier should Rennes have a Coupe de France or Europa League commitment in the same period.

The LFP’s view is that every club must ultimately have an equal number of home and away matches. Its position is therefore that reversing the first fixture should naturally mean reversing the return encounter as well.

The league has also pointed out that Rennes could have refused the August switch, in which case the original game would have been postponed rather than moved to Roazhon Park.

CNOSF to review the case

The CNOSF has up to one month to call both clubs before examining the case and delivering its opinion. Its recommendation will not be binding, leaving the LFP free to follow it or keep its existing decision.