Rennes appeals to Olympic committee over away leg against Paris Saint-Germain in Paris

Rennes have appealed to the French National Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSF) against the decision of the French Football League to hold the return match against Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes instead of Roazhon Park.

The match between the two teams in the first round took place in Rennes and ended in a 2-2 draw, after the game was moved from Paris due to the unpreparedness of the pitch at the Parc des Princes, which was damaged due to weather conditions and high temperatures during the summer.

Despite accepting to play the first match at home due to time constraints, the Ligue 1 has decided that the return leg, scheduled for matchday 23 during the weekend of March 6, 2027, will take place in Paris, with the aim of maintaining the principle of each team playing 17 home matches and 17 away matches.

Rennes believes the decision harmed its interests, especially as Paris Saint-Germain received a fine of €150,000 for failing to provide a suitable stadium for the first match. The club also objects to the classification of the heatwave as an 'exceptional circumstance', believing that Paris could have searched better for an alternative stadium.

The French National Olympic and Sports Council is expected to hear both parties in the case before issuing its opinion in about a month. It is worth noting that the council's opinion is advisory and non-binding, as the Ligue 1 remains the final decision-maker on whether to take it into account.