Top bosses at title-chasing Lens confirmed on Tuesday that they do not want their match against Ligue 1 leaders Paris Saint-Germain postponed to give PSG’s players extra time to prepare for their Champions League quarter-final against Liverpool.
Second-placed Lens are scheduled to host PSG on 11 April, three days after PSG entertain Liverpool at the Parc des Princes in the first leg of the last eight. PSG will play the return leg at Anfield on 14 April.
“On 6 March, the fixture schedule for the match between Racing Club de Lens and Paris Saint-Germain was finalised, formalising a framework to which everyone was then expected to adhere," said a Lens statement.
"In a spirit of responsibility and restraint, Racing Club de Lens made its intention clear to Paris Saint-Germain from the very first enquiries that it did not wish to see this date changed."
PSG, who are seeking a fifth consecutive Ligue 1 crown and a 14th top flight title, lead the championship with 60 points from 26 of their 34 games. Lens have 59 after 27 matches.
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The Ligue de Football Professionnel, which organises the top two divisions in France, sanctioned PSG's request to reschedule their home match with Nantes which fell in between the first and second legs of their last-16 tie against Chelsea on 11 and 17 March.
Though Nantes' executives agreed to the arrangement, the Collectif Supporters Nantais (which brings together the main Nantes supporter groups) was furious.
"We learned with astonishment of the postponement of the match between Paris Saint-Germain and FC Nantes to a later date, decided for the sole purpose of favouring PSG in its double confrontation in the Champions League," the Nantes collective said.
"This is not an isolated case. Last season, PSG's visit to Nantes was moved for the same reasons. The exception is becoming the norm – French clubs must serve PSG's interests.
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"If the French football authorities have chosen, for a long time, to serve PSG's interests, the leaders of FC Nantes have, for their part, the duty to defend ours. Accepting this postponement amounts to sacrificing the club for the exclusive benefit of another."
PSG will play Nantes on 22 April at the Parc des Princes, the LFP confirmed on Tuesday, three days after PSG host Lyon at the same venue.
The LFP board has the authority under Article 22 of its rulebook to set the fixture calendar and change it during the season. When asked, it generally seeks to accommodate clubs before European matches.
After thrashing Angers 5-1 on Friday night to temporarily take over first place, Lens boss Pierre Sage said he would not be happy about delaying the game against PSG.
"I understand that having a rest allows you to perform better," Sage told journalists."
"PSG managed to prove that in their match against Chelsea. But they’re a club that’s performing very well and competing in lots of competitions. They’re also aware of the constraints of that situation."
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Neither of the sides will be in action during the break for international games.
PSG resume their hunt for the title on 3 April with a home game against Toulouse. Lens face northern rivals Lille on 4 April.
Should PSG eliminate Liverpool, a semi-final against Bayern Munich or Real Madrid would fall on 28 or 29 April then 5 or 6 May. A Ligue 1 game against Lorient sits between those dates and, with no window left, would have to be played.
Lens added in its statement: "Beyond this specific case, the question raised is a more fundamental one: that of the respect due to Ligue 1 itself. One is entitled to question the situation when the league sometimes seems to be relegated to second place behind other ambitions, however legitimate they may be.
"Racing Club de Lens remains committed to fairness, clear rules and respect for all stakeholders. Simple principles, for a fair and respectful French league."
