Failing to relaunch Ligue 1, Jean-Michel Aulas wants friendly matches. In line with his request to resume training from June 2, granted by the government in accordance with a medical protocol, the president of Olympique Lyonnais urges the authorities and the governing bodies of football to allow the organization of meetings behind closed doors in July.
He believes this Thursday in Le Parisien that his club, Paris Saint-Germain, AS Saint-Étienne and LOSC need to regain competition.
“It is essential that French clubs can start playing behind closed doors in early July, like their European competitors, said Jean-Michel Aulas. At least four clubs must be allowed to play, the three who play the National Cup finals, Paris, Saint-Etienne and Lyon. I add Lille, which is interested in a role of partner. These four clubs are candidates to play in July. There will be others, Nantes is interested “.
No matches before June 21
Such matches would notably allow the Lyonnais Olympics and Paris Saint-Germain to regain rhythm for the continuation of the Champions League. The Rhone club must still face Juventus in the round of 16 in Italy, while the club from the capital, already qualified, will have to prepare to play in the quarter-finals in a still undecided format.
For the time being, the government of Édouard Philippe has maintained in France the ban on holding collective sports events and contacts until at least June 21. The stadiums also remain closed to the public.