With preseason preparations already underway since June 29, Olympique Lyonnais is focused on securing Champions League qualification through the third qualifying round, scheduled for August 4/5 (first leg) and August 11 (second leg). A successful progression would immediately face the playoffs in the following fortnight—creating a congested schedule that the club sought to mitigate.
In a formal letter to the LFP, OL officials argued that prioritizing European ambitions aligns with the broader interests of French football, drawing parallels to Paris Saint-Germain’s similar requests in previous seasons. The club emphasized that allowing flexibility would prevent unnecessary fatigue during critical matches.
The LFP’s governing council convened via videoconference and unanimously rejected the proposal. Key concerns included disrupting Ligue 1+’s new broadcast strategy, which now features every match, as well as setting a precedent for selective fixture adjustments.