This particular demand was only ever intended to apply under one specific condition: if Olympique Lyonnais secured qualification for the Champions League playoffs. To reach the group stage of Europe’s premier club competition, the Lyon side must first navigate the 3rd preliminary round, with matches slated for August 4 or 5 (first leg) and August 11 or 12 (return leg). Should they advance, they would then compete in the playoffs, the final hurdle before the Champions League proper, featuring a first leg on August 18 or 19 and a return leg on August 25 or 26.
The core issue arises because the inaugural Ligue 1 matchday is scheduled for August 22, falling precisely between these two crucial playoff encounters. It was precisely to circumvent this challenging scenario that OL had sought a postponement of their away game against Toulouse. The club believed that a less congested fixture list would significantly enhance their prospects of securing a coveted spot in the Champions League.
Lyon’s management had also underscored the broader benefits to French football, asserting that OL’s participation in the Champions League would be advantageous for the sport nationwide.
However, during its meeting this Monday, the LFP ultimately rejected this appeal. The governing body notably determined that commencing the Ligue 1 season with a postponed fixture was undesirable, particularly as the entire championship is set to be broadcast on its new platform.
Barring any unforeseen calendar adjustments, should OL successfully reach the Champions League playoffs, they will face a demanding sequence: a European match, an away Ligue 1 fixture in Toulouse, followed by the return leg of their European playoff – all within the span of a single week.
