Paris Saint-Germain were given the weekend off to focus on their Champions League tie against Chelsea, a decision that has sparked controversy over fairness in Ligue 1. The French football federation postponed PSG's match with Nantes, allowing them extra preparation time, while title rivals Lens lost 2-1 to Lorient and failed to reclaim top spot.
The postponement, agreed by all parties, was not without precedent—the same fixture was moved last season for a European tie. However, the context differs significantly: PSG are in a tight title race, unlike last year when they were comfortably ahead. Lens, who finished just one point behind PSG three seasons ago, missed the chance to go top after their defeat to Lorient.
Critics argue the decision favours PSG unduly, given their vast resources. With a budget of €850m—€600m more than Marseille and €800m more than Nantes—PSG could have rotated their squad. Nantes, struggling in the relegation zone, were left with a congested fixture list, facing PSG, Brest, and Rennes in one week. Manager Vahid Halilhodzic described his task as "an almost impossible mission."
Nantes fans expressed anger at the club's compliance, with ultras distributing leaflets depicting the owner cleaning PSG president Nasser al-Khelaifi's shoes. The debate highlights the imbalance in French football, where the league's wealthiest club receives special treatment to aid its European ambitions, often at the expense of smaller teams.
