- French Ligue 1 is exploring a revolutionary change by introducing playoffs to decide the champion
- The proposed format would determine the top four positions through semi-finals and a final match
- PSG is expected to oppose the idea, while other clubs would likely support it for a better title chance
Key Takeaways:
French Ligue 1 could soon undergo a groundbreaking transformation, adopting a model rarely seen in European football, especially in its top leagues. According to the reputable L’Equipe, French football authorities are considering introducing a playoff system that would determine the top four positions in the league through semi-finals and a final.
🚨🚨| BREAKING: France Football is exploring a radical new format to decide the Ligue 1 champion – a four-team playoff at the end of the season.
Under the proposal, the top four teams would face off in a mini-tournament, with the winner crowned as the champion.
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The proposed change would introduce playoffs at various stages of the competition. Besides the title race, there would be playoffs for the relegation battle and for the distribution of European qualification spots. Such systems are already present in several European leagues, including the Dutch Eredivisie and the Belgian Pro League. However, using playoffs to decide the league champion would be unprecedented among Europe’s leading leagues.
The motivation behind this idea is clear. For years, Paris Saint-Germain has dominated Ligue 1, often securing the title comfortably well before the campaign’s end. This season, for example, PSG clinched the title as early as the end of March. Such dominance has led to a predictable and less exciting title race.
Under the proposed playoff format, PSG’s regular-season dominance would no longer guarantee them the title. No matter how big their lead at the top of the table, the championship would be decided in two direct matches – a semi-final and a final.
Naturally, PSG is expected to oppose the idea, as they are the most likely to lose from this change. Meanwhile, all other Ligue 1 clubs are likely to support it, as it would provide them with a far greater chance of winning the title – an opportunity they currently lack under the standard format.