Ex-PGMOL chief reacts to Liverpool outrage over PSG controversy in UCL
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Credit: Imago Fri 27 March 2026 17:15, UK Liverpool fans have been up in arms about Ligue 1’s decision to postpone PSG’s league clash with Lens, which falls in between the Champions League quarter-final legs.Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) unanimously voted to allow the request, despite clear protest from their scheduled opponents, Lens. The scheduling change will now see PSG’s opponents play just one game between the start of April and the 17th, before playing three games in the space of seven days in the final week of the season.The same action has been taken in the case of Strasbourg, who have been granted a break between their Conference League matches against Mainz next month.Liverpool’s schedule will see them host Fulham in the Premier League in between the two legs, in a game that could prove crucial for next season’s Champions League hopes. ⚽ Liverpool Matchday ⚽ Team news, line-ups, expert previews, VAR verdicts, and tactical analysis for every Reds fixture.
VISIT THE LIVERPOOL MATCH HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Keith Hackett responds to PSG decisionLiverpool fans were furious with LFP’s decision, with many fans left questioning the maintenance of fair competition.PSG’s ability to simply ask for a break in between two crucial Champions League legs seems entirely unfair, with the Reds left to deal with the congestion.PSG’s scheduleLiverpool’s scheduleDateToulouse (H)3 AprMan City (A)4 AprLiverpool (H)PSG (A)8 AprFulham (H)11 AprLiverpool (A)PSG (H)14 AprThe more shocking element likely pertains to the effect on Lens, however, who, despite clearly voicing their disapproval at the potential move, have been unwillingly forced into a packed schedule.Pierre Sage’s team are just one point behind Ligue 1 leaders PSG, and must now host the champions in the penultimate game of the season, which will take place just four days after they host Nantes.Ex-PGMOL chief Keith Hackett is not surprised by the decision, however. Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, he said: “This often happens in Europe but rarely with Premier League Clubs.“Those extra days afforded to PSG will help them to recharge their batteries and allow the coaching staff to practice set-piece plays, etc.
There is frankly little opportunity to find gaps in a very busy schedule to allow clubs to reschedule games.”How PSG have justified Ligue 1 postponementThe decision to postpone next month’s game has faced massive backlash in the Premier League, and certainly from Lens.Yet decision-makers at PSG have opted to justify their request by focusing on the European coefficient. 🚨 The LFP APPROVES request by PSG to postpone league game vs Lens to prepare for their European quarter-finals.Ligue 1's title chasers Lens and PSG will now take face off on 13th May, giving the French champions a weekend off between legs against Liverpool in the Champions… pic.twitter.com/h8ZFkVXNmc— That's Football! (@ThatsFootballTV) March 26, 2026 View Tweet France currently sits fifth behind Italy and Portugal in the race for an extra spot in Europe next season, and would see their chances grow if its clubs go further in their respective tournaments.And LFP clearly agree with the sentiment, although that verdict has not been shared around the league. 🔴 Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Liverpool Insider Access Get the full story from Anfield and the AXA Training Centre with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Merseyside.