Paris Saint-Germain’s ligue 1 triumph: when will the champions lift their trophy?
Paris Saint-Germain has once again asserted its dominance, securing its 14th French championship title—the 12th since 2012—following a decisive 2-0 victory against RC Lens on Wednesday evening. With the league suspense now resolved, attention turns to how the Parisian giants will commemorate this latest triumph.
Traditionally, the club orchestrates grand ceremonies for the Ligue 1 trophy presentation during their final home fixture at the iconic Parc des Princes. However, this season presents a unique challenge: Paris Saint-Germain had not officially clinched the championship when their last home game, a 1-0 win against Brest, took place last Sunday.
Only one fixture remains on the calendar this season: the Paris derby on Sunday against Paris FC at Stade Jean-Bouin. While technically an “away” match, despite its proximity just 50 meters from the Parc des Princes, the host club, Paris FC, has expressed reservations. Having planned their own post-match celebrations with supporters to mark their Ligue 1 survival, they are reportedly reluctant to host Paris Saint-Germain’s championship trophy presentation on their home turf.
League regulations: a clear directive
The framework for organizing Ligue 1 trophy ceremonies is explicitly outlined within the championship’s regulations, specifically Article 523-5, which states:
“The Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) is responsible for organizing the collective and individual trophy presentation ceremonies for LFP competitions. These presentations are conducted according to a detailed protocol and marketing brief, designed to promote football and its competitions. The LFP must inform the involved clubs of the ceremony’s organization and associated specifications in advance. Rewarded clubs and players are committed to hosting these ceremonies, participating in them, and adhering to the relevant ceremony’s specifications.”
While this article clearly designates the LFP as the organizer, requiring them to “inform” participating clubs who, in turn, “commit to hosting, participating in, and respecting the specifications” of these events, there is no provision suggesting clubs possess the authority to decline a ceremony.
It is, of course, entirely understandable that clubs crowned French champions would prefer to celebrate such a momentous achievement in front of their dedicated home supporters. Fortunately for Ligue 1 in recent seasons, the scenario of a team securing the title after their final home game has been relatively rare. The two most recent instances occurred in 2012 and 2021, when Montpellier and Lille, respectively, claimed their championships.
In both those seasons, with the championship decided on the final matchday and their last games played away, both clubs successfully organized title celebrations subsequent to their concluding fixtures. Montpellier’s players received their trophy before an ecstatic crowd of 30,000 fans at Place de la Comédie, while Lille opted for a private ceremony at the Domaine de Luchin before embarking on a triumphant parade through the city streets.
Consequently, the LFP and Paris Saint-Germain face a difficult decision. They could either insist on a trophy presentation at Paris FC’s stadium, potentially disrupting the home side’s pre-planned festivities, or arrange a delayed ceremony at the Parc des Princes after the final matchday. The latter, however, presents its own complications, as the Parisian club’s schedule is intensely focused on preparations for the Champions League final on May 30. In essence, finding a truly optimal solution to properly celebrate this 14th championship title remains elusive.
