July 7, 2026

Ouaga Press

Independent English-language coverage of Burkina Faso's most pressing news and developments.

Olympique Lyonnais’ request to delay ligue 1 opener rejected by lfp

Olympique Lyonnais will not receive special treatment as they embark on their European campaign. Still needing to secure full qualification for the prestigious Champions League, OL faces a demanding schedule, with a crucial third preliminary round in early August, followed by potential playoff matches approximately two weeks later.

These potential playoff fixtures are set to occur just days before the commencement of the Ligue 1 season, where Paulo Fonseca’s squad is scheduled to face Toulouse in their opening fixture. The Lyon management formally approached the LFP via written correspondence, requesting a deferral of the initial Ligue 1 matchday. The club emphasized the broader “superior interest of French football” in support of their appeal.

 

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However, the LFP delivered a negative response, firmly declining to reschedule any Ligue 1 fixtures at the start of the championship. Consequently, Olympique Lyonnais must now contend with this demanding calendar, should they successfully advance to the Champions League playoffs.