Usually placed just after the New Year, the 32nd finals of the Coupe de France, marked by the entry of Ligue 1 clubs, take place before Christmas this season. A consequence of additional Champions League matches, explains the FFF.
These changes could well persist. Contrary to tradition, the entry of Ligue 1 clubs into the Coupe de France takes place before Christmas this year. Instead of being played during the first weekend after the New Year, the round of 32 this time takes place from December 20 to 22. Another modification: the round of 16 will be played midweek, on Wednesday January 15. Two decisions which can be explained by the upheavals in the European calendar caused by the reform of continental club competitions.
With the new Champions League, two European windows have been added in January. The 7th day of the championship phase will be played on January 21 and 22; the 8th and final day is scheduled for January 29. Same thing for the Europa League on January 23 and 30. Without forgetting that playoffs are planned for February.
“We had no latitude”
It is this congestion at the start of 2025 which is forcing the French Football Federation (FFF) to review its copy. A first since 2002, not counting the exception of 2021 linked to World Cup qualifying in Qatar. “We had no latitude for the 16th,” declared the director of national competitions Christophe Drouvroy in an interview with The Team.
“We could not put the 32nd from January 3 to 5, and the 16th from the 15th. Ten days between two rounds was not enough in terms of organization,” added the leader, specifying the need to “liberate” the weekend of January 17-19 for the championship. “Putting the 32nd before Christmas was a solution, for us and the LFP,” he insisted.
The 32nd finals of the Coupe de France open this Friday, December 20 with a multiplex of seven matches, including Troyes-Metz and Rouen-Lille. The weekend ends with the match between RC Lens and Paris Saint-Germain, Sunday evening at 9 p.m.
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