World · Singapore Bureau
PSG forced to relocate season opener due to heat-damaged pitch
Paris Saint-Germain has been compelled to move their Ligue 1 season-opening match against Stade Rennais from their home stadium following extensive damage to the playing surface caused by extreme summer temperatures.
LSN Singapore ·
French champions Paris Saint-Germain announced on Wednesday that they will relocate their Ligue 1 opener against Stade Rennais, originally scheduled for Sunday at Parc des Princes, due to pitch conditions rendered unsafe by prolonged heatwave conditions.
The scorching summer temperatures have caused significant deterioration to the grass surface at the club's historic stadium, forcing the Parisian side to seek an alternative venue for the fixture. The move marks an unusual disruption to PSG's domestic campaign preparations as they begin their title defence.
The club did not immediately specify which ground would host the rescheduled match. The decision underscores the mounting challenges posed by extreme weather events across European football, with several clubs in recent years reporting pitch-related difficulties during particularly hot periods.
PSG's relocation of the fixture reflects broader concerns within professional sports about maintaining playing surfaces during climate-related weather extremes. The club is expected to provide further details regarding the new venue and kickoff arrangements in coming days.