PSG have been granted extra rest between their Champions League matches against Liverpool, something the likes of Arsenal would likely never experience
06:00, 27 Mar 2026
Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta will likely never benefit from what the LFP have afforded PSG in the Champions League
View Image
Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta will likely never benefit from what the LFP have afforded PSG in the Champions League(Image: ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images )
PSG have had their request to postpone their Ligue 1 match with RC Lens, scheduled between the two UEFA Champions League quarterfinal matches with Liverpool, granted. This gives the French team an incredible advantage over their opponents, who will still have to play a Premier League game at home to Fulham on the weekend.
Liverpool are one of just two remaining English clubs in the top-tier European competition alongside Arsenal. The Gunners are due to play Sporting CP in Lisbon before the return leg in North London as they look to reach the semi-final of the competition for the second time in two seasons.
Speaking to L'Equipe this Wednesday, RC Lens general manager Benjamin Parrot made his position clear: "First of all, to be clear, we have nothing against PSG; they are perfectly within their rights to make this request.
FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
“But factually, PSG has chosen the Champions League, as has Canal+, its broadcaster. Now, if the LFP doesn't defend Ligue 1, who will? If it doesn't defend the continuity and respect for what Ligue 1 stands for, who will?"
"Because if PSG's request is accepted, everything will spin out of control. People will start talking about Nasser Al-Khelaifi, his 'double hat' with BeIN Sport, and say that now he is working against French football," he declared.
The idea that a Premier League match would be suspended in order to give a benefit to one of the clubs in European competition would be unprecedented. The likes of Arsenal and Liverpool will never get to benefit from the same decision taken by the LFP.
The Premier League schedule is just too heavy. If a team were allowed to postpone a match to prepare for a game, it would create a knock-on effect, leading every club to make the request and then question were it not to be granted, if it had been for another.
Article continues below
With it being the international break, the likes of Arne Slot and Mikel Arteta will not be facing questions from the media for another week, when it is likely that one or both could be asked about the decision.
Welcome to 'Seeing Red' - our new Arsenal podcast
We've launched a new Arsenal podcast 'Seeing Red' with chief football writer John Cross and Arsenal reporter Tom Canton.
Each week, they will dive deep into the biggest topics as they follow Mikel Arteta's side every step of the way - and will also discuss nostalgic flashbacks before each fixture.
It's a great time to be an Arsenal fan, with the Gunners flying high under Arteta as they look to win silverware this season.
The North Londoners are going strong in the Premier League and Champions League - and they're also in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
We'll provide insight and reaction - and have fun along the way - as Arsenal target the biggest trophies this season.
No stone will be left unturned. VAR controversy? Poor performances? Unsung hero who deserves praise? Fixture chaos? We'll have it all covered.
Click here to view our YouTube channel
Click here to download our podcasts