What we know about PSG forced to move opening league match as heatwave in France damages

Paris Saint-Germain’s opening match of its title defense in the French league against Rennes has been relocated at short notice due to severe damage to the club’s pitch following a summer heatwave. The French football competitions committee confirmed late Wednesday that the Sunday fixture will now be held in Rennes instead of the Parc des Princes.

Safety and Venue Logistics

PSG stated that the pitch had deteriorated to a point where “the current conditions did not allow the match to be held under satisfactory circumstances, particularly with regard to the safety and physical well-being of the players.” The change of venue was reached “in agreement” with Rennes, with the club thanking its opponent for “making the match possible.”

• PSG expressed regret over the situation, noting: “Paris Saint-Germain fully understands the inconvenience caused by this change for its supporters and all those who had planned to attend this match at the Parc des Princes,” adding that “the club regrets this exceptional situation.”
• The club confirmed it has “identified a solution for replacing the pitch at the Parc des Princes for the upcoming matches,” starting with its next home game in Ligue 1 against Monaco on September 4.

The defending French league and Champions League winners recently opened their season with a victory against Aston Villa last Wednesday in Austria to successfully defend their UEFA Super Cup title.