LFP postpones Lens v PSG and Brest v Strasbourg in UEFA coefficient push

Ligue de Football Professionnel has postponed Lens v Paris Saint-Germain and Stade Brestois v Strasbourg, reshaping the Ligue 1 calendar to reduce fixture load ahead of both clubs’ European quarter-finals.The LFP board said it acted after requests from PSG and Strasbourg, moving both Matchday 29 fixtures to Wednesday, April 13.The LFP said in a statement: “These decisions are in line with the board of directors’ clear strategic aim of enabling France to retain its fifth place in the UEFA coefficient rankings, which secures four places in the UEFA Champions League.”PSG are due to play a UEFA Champions League quarter-final against Liverpool, with the home leg three days before the original Lens date and the second leg at Anfield the following week.The league also moved Brest v Strasbourg after Strasbourg’s request, with the club preparing for a UEFA Conference League quarter-final against Mainz.Lens had publicly opposed PSG’s request earlier in the week, warning about the domestic competition’s status in scheduling decisions.Lens President Joseph Oughourlian expressed his frustration and said: "Paris Saint-Germain has the resources and the squad depth to play every three days. We do not. It is worrying that Ligue 1 is becoming a variable subject to the European ambitions of certain parties.”The LFP said the decisions were taken unanimously by the board, excluding the clubs directly concerned.Lens and PSG are separated by one point in Ligue 1, with PSG also holding a game in hand, adding competitive sensitivity to any rescheduling of a top-of-the-table fixture.In a statement, PSG said: "Paris Saint-Germain take note of the League’s decision, in the vote for which the Club did not take part. This decision is consistent with the League’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the representation of French football on the European stage.“This rescheduling, which has already been implemented on several occasions, will enable the two French clubs still competing in European competitions – a rare situation for French football – to prepare in the best possible conditions for their upcoming fixtures.” As part of the package, the LFP also proposed a contingent calendar change for Lens, suggesting their home match against Nantes be brought forward to Friday, May 8 if PSG reach the Champions League semi-finals.The postponements underline the LFP’s willingness to trade off domestic scheduling rigidity to support clubs’ European runs, with UEFA coefficient outcomes directly linked to future Champions League allocation and the league’s commercial outlook.