French Football Season To End As Government Extends Sport Ban

The 2019/20 edition of the French Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 seasons will not be able to resume.

The country’s Prime Minister, Edouard Philippe, announced that the ban on sporting events – even those behind closed doors – would continue until September.

Speaking as he announced France’s plans to ease measures as the country prepares to come out of lockdown on 11th May. However, the return of football is not scheduled until after the summer.

“The 2019/20 season of professional sports, including football, will not be able to resume,” he said.

“It will be possible, on sunny days, to practice an individual sporting activity outdoors, obviously respecting the rules of social distancing.

“It will not be possible, neither to practice sport in covered places, nor team or contact sports.”

The French Professional Football League (LFP) said in a statement that it would adhere to the government’s decisions, and added that its Board of Directors would meet on Thursday 30th April to discuss the fallout.

“The LFP Board of Directors, which met on Tuesday 28 April, has taken note of the declarations by French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe,” it said in a statement. 

“As has been the case since the beginning of this health crisis, the LFP will adhere strictly to the decisions of the government and medical authorities.

“The Board of Directors will meet on 30th April to analyse the sporting and economic consequences of the measures announced by the Prime Minister.

“Following this meeting the Board of Directors will have to formally decide to end the 2019-20 season and call a General Assembly of the LFP.”

Paris Saint-Germain currently sit 11 points clear at the top of Ligue 1, with the other two UEFA Champions League spots occupied by Marseille and Rennes. Toulouse and Amiens are currently adrift at the bottom of the table, with Nimes in the final relegation spot three points behind Saint-Etienne.