European football's governing body, UEFA, has officially rescheduled the upcoming Europa League encounter between French club Rennes and Greek side Olympiacos. Originally slated for Thursday, 5 November, the match will now take place one day earlier to accommodate a planned general strike across France.
The decision follows advice from French authorities, who informed UEFA that they could not guarantee the standard security arrangements required for the fixture on the original date. To avoid clashing with the two Champions League matches scheduled for 6:45 pm—Fenerbahçe versus Liverpool and AEK Athens against Real Madrid—the Rennes-Olympiacos match has been set for a 4:30 pm kick-off.
This scheduling change has drawn significant criticism from supporters. Romain, a 33-year-old fan, noted that a Wednesday afternoon kick-off is not convenient for all spectators. While he mentioned he might be able to coordinate with his employer to attend, many others face greater difficulties. On the social media platform X, a supporter named Quentin expressed frustration, stating he was "fuming with rage" because he had already paid for a match he is now unable to attend. Under the club's announcement, numerous fans echoed these sentiments, labeling the change a "disgrace" and citing a perceived "lack of respect" for the supporters.
The general strike, called by French trade unions for 5 November, is part of a broader wave of nationwide protests that began over concerns regarding conditions in schools. While initial demonstrations on 17 and 24 October saw varying levels of unrest, the protests have already impacted the domestic French football calendar. The Professional Football League (LFP) has postponed several Ligue 1 fixtures, including a move for the PSG versus Olympique Lyonnais match. Further adjustments have been confirmed for the upcoming weekend, affecting games involving OGC Nice, Stade Rennais, Olympique Lyonnais, Angers SCO, FC Lorient, and Stade Brestois as authorities prepare for continued public demonstrations.
The protests have also affected France's domestic football championship. The Professional Football League (LFP) has already postponed several fixtures. The match between PSG and Olympique Lyonnais, initially scheduled for Sunday 25 October, was moved to the following day.
Further changes have already been announced in Ligue 1 this weekend as police and public authorities prepare for marches and demonstrations. OGC Nice will host Stade Rennais on Friday 30 October, Olympique Lyonnais will face Angers SCO on Sunday 1 November and FC Lorient will play Stade Brestois on Monday 2 November.
