PSG-Lyon Ligue 1 clash rescheduled amid planned protests in Paris

By Halis Sunnetci

ISTANBUL (AA) - Paris Saint-Germain's Ligue 1 home match against Olympique Lyonnais has been rescheduled from Sunday to Monday due to security concerns surrounding planned protests in the French capital, the French Professional Football League (LFP) announced Friday.

The eighth-round fixture, originally scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 25, at 8.45 pm local time (1945GMT), will instead take place Monday, Oct. 26, at 8.30 pm (1930GMT) at the Parc des Princes.

"The LFP takes note of the Paris Police Prefecture's order prohibiting the organization of the Paris Saint-Germain-Olympique Lyonnais match," the league said in a statement.

The LFP added that the new date and kickoff time had been agreed with broadcaster Ligue 1+, which will televise the match live.

The decision comes as Paris prepares for further demonstrations this weekend following protests on Oct. 17 that were accompanied by rioting and looting.

French authorities are seeking to avoid overstretching police resources, with an NFL game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints also scheduled at the Stade de France on Sunday.

The rescheduled fixture will see Ligue 1 leaders Lyon face defending champions PSG, who sit second on goal difference, with both teams having collected 14 points from seven matches.

The match will also coincide with Monday's Ballon d'Or ceremony in London, where several PSG players are among the nominees.

Halis Sünnetci