Olympique Lyonnais will not receive special dispensation as they embark on their European journey this season. The club, not yet fully qualified for the prestigious Champions League group stage, faces a demanding schedule. First, they must navigate a crucial 3rd preliminary round tie in early August. Should they succeed, the play-off matches, determining their fate in Europe’s elite competition, are scheduled just two weeks later.
These pivotal play-off fixtures are set to clash directly with the commencement of the Ligue 1 season, where Paulo Fonseca’s squad is slated to face Toulouse in their opening domestic encounter. Recognizing this significant scheduling conflict, the Lyon management formally approached the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) via written correspondence, requesting a deferral of their initial Ligue 1 match. The club notably highlighted what it considered to be the broader interest of French football as a compelling justification for their plea.
However, the LFP has issued a firm rejection of the request, declining to reschedule any of the opening Ligue 1 fixtures. Consequently, Olympique Lyonnais must prepare to manage both commitments concurrently, should they successfully advance to the Champions League play-offs, facing a rigorous start to their competitive campaign.
