Paris Saint-Germain faces a scheduling headache after local authorities ordered their Ligue 1 fixture against Olympique Lyonnais to move to a Monday night slot, directly conflicting with the Ballon d’or ceremony in London. RMC Sport reported that discussions involving the police prefecture, the Ligue de Football Professionnel, PSG, and Lyon resulted in the match shifting from Sunday night due to anticipated weekend demonstrations in the French capital that will heavily mobilize police forces.
Police Deployments Force Monday Night Kickoff
The fixture at the Parc des Princes was originally scheduled for Sunday at 8:45 p.m. local time (19:45 UTC). Instead, the match will kick off on Monday at 8:30 p.m. local time (19:30 UTC). Security demands across Paris over the weekend left authorities with no choice but to adjust the calendar to ensure adequate public safety resources.
London Ceremony Leaves Paris Delegation Unclear
The 24-hour delay upends travel plans for the club, particularly regarding the Ballon d’or gala. Unlike previous years, the award ceremony takes place in London rather than Paris. PSG has not yet determined who will represent the club at the event, though early indications point to a minimal delegation given the proximity to Monday’s match against Lyon.
Ten PSG players earned nominations for the men’s prize: defending holder Ousmane Dembélé, Achraf Hakimi, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Marquinhos, Nuno Mendes, Joao Neves, Willian Pacho, Fabian Ruiz, Ferran Torres (who played for Barcelona last season prior to joining Paris), and Vitinha. The club has no nominees for the women’s Ballon d’or.
Injury Concerns and NFL Cross-Over Events
Squad availability further complicates the club’s travel arrangements. Three nominees picked up injuries during the recent UEFA Champions League victory over Barcelona. Marquinhos sustained a right thigh injury, while Khvicha Kvaratskhelia suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and will undergo surgery before the end of the month. Kvaratskhelia will remain in Paris, while Dembélé, dealing with a hamstring issue, is still expected to travel to London. Nuno Mendes is also injured but retains the option to make the trip if he chooses. All other nominees remain fit for the Lyon clash.
Meanwhile, the fixture shift offers some supporters and uninjured squad members a free weekend to attend the NFL regular-season game in Paris on Sunday afternoon between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New Orleans Saints.
