Rennes furious as Ligue 1 return with Paris Saint-Germain is sent back to Parc des Princes

Stade Rennais are preparing to appeal against the decision to move their Ligue 1 fixture with Paris Saint-Germain back to Parc des Princes, bringing a long-running dispute over pitch conditions to a head.

The French league’s competitions committee has ruled that the round 23 meeting between the clubs, scheduled for March 2027, must be played at Paris Saint-Germain’s home ground. Stade Rennais had insisted the fixture should remain at their stadium after they agreed to host the opening-day match at short notice.

Paris Saint-Germain’s first league game was moved because the playing surface at Parc des Princes was deemed unsuitable following a heatwave. Stade Rennais successfully organised the match at their own ground within only four days, with the game ending in a 2-2 draw last Sunday.

However, the club agreed to the switch only on the condition that the return fixture would not also be moved. Stade Rennais argued that the heatwave had affected the whole of France and that the poor condition of the Paris Saint-Germain pitch was the result of neglect rather than exceptional circumstances.

The club also made clear that it strongly opposed moving the round 23 fixture in March 2027. Despite that position, the league has now confirmed that the match will be staged at Parc des Princes.

The competitions committee also fined Paris Saint-Germain €150,000. In its statement, it said the penalty had been imposed under Article 501.4 of the league’s competition regulations, which covers clubs’ obligations to prepare their stadiums and provide alternative venues when necessary.

The committee said: “Regarding the Ligue 1 opening-round match between Paris Saint-Germain and Stade Rennais, which was moved on 19 August, the competitions committee has decided to impose a €150,000 fine on Paris Saint-Germain under Article 501.4 of the league’s competition regulations, concerning clubs’ obligations to prepare the pitch and provide alternative stadiums. Regarding the round 23 match between Stade Rennais and Paris Saint-Germain, it has been decided that the venue will be moved so that the match is played at Parc des Princes.”

The ruling prompted an angry reaction from Stade Rennais, with head coach Frank Haise responding sarcastically when asked about the issue at a news conference before Sunday’s match against Le Mans.

“Perhaps the country will experience a heatwave next March, and I will leave the response to the club,” he said.

The club’s hierarchy followed that with a statement on its official website, confirming that it would challenge the decision rather than accept it without protest.

“Stade Rennais has taken note of the decision by the competitions committee to move the Ligue 1 round 23 match between Stade Rennais and Paris Saint-Germain, which will therefore be played at Parc des Princes,” the statement said.

“Pending receipt of the full decision and the reasons supporting it, Stade Rennais is currently considering submitting an appeal to the conciliation committee of the French National Olympic and Sports Committee in order to defend its rights.”

The dispute is the latest development in what has become a wider controversy over stadium pitches in French football. Stade Rennais say they will monitor closely any further decision from the league over the rearranged fixture.