PSG secures 14th Ligue 1 title: when will the trophy be handed over?

The Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has clinched its 14th Ligue 1 title, the 12th in the last 13 seasons, following a 2-0 victory over RC Lens on Wednesday. With the suspense now over, the focus shifts to the trophy presentation ceremony and how the Parisians will celebrate their triumph.

Traditionally, PSG organizes grand ceremonies to receive the Ligue 1 trophy during the final home match of the season. However, this year’s scenario is complicated by the timing of their title win. The club secured the championship on the road, leaving fans and officials to ponder the logistics of the trophy handover.

One final match remains: the Paris derby

The season’s last fixture, set for Sunday against Paris FC, presents an unusual challenge. While the match is technically an “away” game, it will take place at Jean-Bouin stadium—just 50 meters from the Parc des Princes. Paris FC, which has planned post-match celebrations for securing its Ligue 1 status, has raised concerns about hosting PSG’s trophy ceremony on its pitch.

The Ligue de Football Professionnel’s protocol

The regulations governing trophy presentations in Ligue 1 are outlined in Article 523-5 of the championship’s rules. According to the protocol:

• The Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) is responsible for organizing all collective and individual trophy ceremonies.
• The LFP must formally notify the involved clubs in advance of the ceremony’s details, including the associated marketing and promotional guidelines.
• Clubs and players are contractually obligated to host, participate in, and adhere to the ceremony’s guidelines.

While the rules do not explicitly grant clubs the right to veto a ceremony, they also do not provide clear guidance on handling situations where the host club objects to the timing or location.

Past precedents offer limited solutions

Instances where a club secured the title after its final home match are rare in recent Ligue 1 history. The most recent examples occurred in 2012 and 2021, when Montpellier and Lille claimed their titles on the final matchday. Both clubs held post-match ceremonies to celebrate their triumphs—the former in front of 30,000 supporters at Place de la Comédie, and the latter with a private event at Domaine de Luchin followed by a parade through Lille.

This season, the LFP faces a dilemma: either insist on a ceremony at Jean-Bouin, potentially disrupting Paris FC’s planned festivities, or postpone the event until after the final matchday. However, PSG’s schedule is already packed, with a UEFA Champions League final looming on May 30, leaving little room for maneuver.

With no ideal solution on the horizon, the trophy presentation for PSG’s 14th Ligue 1 title remains uncertain, adding an unexpected twist to an otherwise historic triumph.