The saga surrounding PSG vs Rennes may be far from over. The Ligue 1 Matchday 1 fixture, initially scheduled for Sunday at the Parc des Princes, was moved to Roazhon Park because of the poor condition of the Paris pitch, but a new dispute has now emerged.
According to RMC Sport, Rennes believes that the return fixture should also be played in Rennes. PSG officially reacted to the LFP’s decision by explaining the rapid deterioration of its pitch, saying that the latest heatwave, following several exceptional periods of extreme heat in the Paris region this summer, had significantly accelerated the damage to the Parc des Princes surface.
Rennes disputes the official status of the fixture switch
Paris also acknowledged the major consequences of the last-minute change for its supporters, while thanking Stade Rennais, the city of Rennes and the Ille-et-Vilaine authorities for making Sunday’s match at Roazhon Park possible. PSG added that a solution had already been found for its upcoming home matches, starting with the game against Monaco on September 4.
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However, RMC Sport reports that Rennes does not regard the situation as a straightforward reversal of the home and away fixtures. With no suitable backup stadium available in the Paris region, PSG reportedly asked Rennes to host the opening game instead. Rennes accepted despite the logistical burden, costs already incurred for the planned trip to Paris, and the impact on ticketing, VIP areas and season-ticket holders.
Rennes therefore argues that the match should legally be considered a relocation of PSG’s home fixture rather than a definitive swap of the two league meetings. Under that interpretation of LFP regulations, the return match would still be scheduled at Roazhon Park, meaning PSG could theoretically have to travel to Rennes twice this season. The LFP Competitions Commission is expected to rule later on the venue for the return fixture, with Rennes determined to defend its position.
