July 7, 2026
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Olympique Lyonnais faces a challenging start to its European campaign, with no special treatment expected. The club is not yet fully qualified for the Champions League group stage, requiring them to navigate a third preliminary round in early August, followed by potential play-off matches roughly two weeks later.

These crucial play-off fixtures are set to occur just days prior to the commencement of the Ligue 1 championship season, where the squad, under the leadership of Paulo Fonseca, is scheduled to face Toulouse. Lyon’s management formally approached the LFP in writing, requesting a deferral of their opening Ligue 1 match, emphasizing the broader interests of French football in their appeal.

 

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However, the LFP delivered a negative response, declining to reschedule any Ligue 1 fixtures at the season’s outset. Consequently, Olympique Lyonnais must adapt to this calendar, should they successfully advance to the play-off rounds.