Paris Saint-Germain has been crowned the champions of the French Ligue 1 based on the standings of the league table before the 2019-2020 season was suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Two days ago, Futballnews reported that French Football Federation (FFF) and the Liga de Fútbol Profesional (LFP) agreed to put an end to the Ligue 1 season which had about 10 unplayed matches after the Prime Minister of France, Edouard Philippe, placed a ban on sporting events until after September.
Since the news broke, the question was ‘would PSG which topped the league table with 12 points before the league was suspended, be declared champions?’ The question was answered yesterday, April 30, 2020, as they were crowned the title winners.
This means that the clubs that were on the bottom of the table before the season was suspended are automatically relegated and those that occupied the champions league spots are qualified for champions league next season.
But Seventh-placed Olympique Lyonnais, who have missed out on a European place, would not accept the LFP’s decision to end the season; hence, they may appeal against the decision.
The club was just one point behind 6th-placed Nice, who have qualified for the Europa League, with 10 matches to play.
A statement from Lyon read: “Olympique Lyonnais reserves the right to appeal against that decision and claim damages, in particular in respect of loss of opportunity and in the light of the case-law of other professional sports which is currently underway, since the damage to the club amounts to several tens of millions of euros.
“We proposed as early as Tuesday that the league study an alternative solution that would allow the championship to end and thus preserve the fairness inherent in any sporting competition and be in line with UEFA‘s proposals based on sporting merit according to objective, transparent and non-discriminatory principles.
“This solution, shared by other clubs, was based on the principle of play-offs and play-downs, a championship title acquired by PSG, with a calendar limited to three weeks consistent with health constraints, and an innovative formula that could normally have interested broadcasters, currently short of content, as well as sports, betting and all the other economic players in the football sector.”
Paris Saint-Germain have accepted the title
Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain Chairman and CEO, Nasser Al-Khelaïfi have issued a statement to congratulate the coaches and the players for the win, describing the title as a reward for their hard work.
“I would like to thank the players, the coach, the technical and medical staff as well as all the club’s employees for their tremendous work”, he said. “This trophy is a reward for their hard work every day.
“In these difficult times, I hope that this trophy will bring a little happiness and hope to all our supporters, and I am grateful to them for their unwavering support which helps drive Paris Saint-Germain forward.”
