Storm-delayed PSG tie to clash with Ballon d’Ors
The Ligue 1 staple fixture between Olympique de Marseille and Paris Saint-Germain, originally slated for Sunday, was postponed due to severe storm warnings and has been rescheduled for Monday, September 22, 2025, with a kickoff at 8:00 p.m. local time. The match’s delay stems from an orange weather alert issued for the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, with forecasts predicting heavy rainfall of up to 90mm, potentially reaching 120mm in some areas, prompting safety concerns for fans and players alike.
The Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) made the decision in collaboration with local authorities after the PACA prefect urged caution amid the storm risk, ensuring that the safety of the nearly 70,000 expected fans at Marseille’s Orange Vélodrome stadium would not be compromised. UEFA’s fixture managers confirmed the rescheduled kickoff coincides with the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris, an event set to honor the best talents in world football. This scheduling clash presents a unique challenge, as PSG has eight players and coach Luis Enrique nominated for prestigious awards, including standout winger Ousmane Dembélé, who is recovering from a hamstring injury.
Marseille expressed regret over the postponement in an official statement, acknowledging the disruption to both players and supporters, while PSG also recognized the necessity of the delay under the circumstances. Currently, PSG leads the Ligue 1 standings with a perfect winning streak from their first four matches, while Marseille holds eighth place with an even split of two wins and two losses, making this postponed fixture crucial for both clubs.
This rescheduling underscores the delicate balancing act between football’s competitive demands and external factors such as weather and major sporting events. For PSG, sustaining their strong early-season momentum is vital, with key players aiming to return swiftly from injury. Marseille, meanwhile, views the match as an opportunity to climb the league table and challenge the Parisian giants on familiar turf. The outcome of this “Le Classique” could set the tone for both clubs’ campaigns in a tightly contested Ligue 1 season.
Beyond immediate implications, the clash between match scheduling and the Ballon d’Or ceremony marks a notable moment in football’s calendar, reflecting the sport’s global appeal and the complex logistics involved in aligning domestic leagues with international accolades. PSG’s multiple nominations highlight their squad’s prominence, but the overlap may force difficult decisions regarding player presence at these significant occasions. For Marseille, hosting the fixture under ideal conditions remains a priority to deliver the passionate atmosphere the rivalry demands.
In summary, the postponement and rescheduling of this marquee Ligue 1 encounter illustrate the multifaceted considerations in modern football, balancing player welfare, fan safety, and prestigious individual honors on the world stage.