Lens defeat PSG in controversial Trophee des Champions clash

Lens kicked off their season by claiming the Trophee des Champions following a 1-0 victory over PSG. Florian Thauvin netted the decisive goal, helping his side hold on for the win despite playing a significant portion of the match with ten men.

However, the result has been completely overshadowed by intense criticism directed at the LFP regarding the match's organization. While the showpiece is intended to be held on neutral ground, the French governing body chose to stage the fixture at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis, which is the home of Lens.

This decision provided an overwhelming advantage to the northern club. According to reports, roughly 95 per cent of the stadium capacity was occupied by Lens supporters, with just 1,850 tickets allocated to the PSG away section. The atmosphere was indistinguishable from a standard home game for the hosts.

The controversy was further fueled by the LFP's decision to retain the club's traditional pre-match and half-time entertainment. This stood in stark contrast to the 2023 edition between PSG and Toulouse at the Parc des Princes, where the LFP ensured a neutral presentation and a strict 50-50 crowd split.

Notably, both LFP president Vincent Labrune and PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaïfi were absent from the stadium. This latest administrative blunder adds to the growing list of disputes between the governing body and major stakeholders in French football.