Paris Saint-Germain's Brazilian defender #05 Marquinhos (C) lifts the trophy as PSG celebrate their championship title following the French L1 football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and AJ Auxerre at The Parc des Princes Stadium in Paris on May 17, 2025. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)
Paris Saint-Germain crowned champions: Paris FC clash looms
With just one Ligue 1 fixture remaining, the Paris Saint-Germain face a final showdown against Paris FC this Sunday at Jean-Bouin. Though the venue sits a mere 50 meters from Parc des Princes, the stage is set for an unconventional title celebration. The question now is: when and where will the club officially receive the championship trophy?
PSG clinched their 14th Ligue 1 title midweek following a hard-fought victory at RC Lens (0-2). The milestone extended their dominance in French football, marking their 12th championship since 2012. Yet the timing of their trophy presentation remains uncertain, as the traditional ceremony at Parc des Princes was missed due to the club’s title being confirmed after their last home game.
The protocol behind Ligue 1 trophy ceremonies
According to Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) regulations under article 523-5, the governing body is solely responsible for organizing trophy presentations. Clubs are formally notified in advance and must comply with the event’s protocol and marketing guidelines. This includes hosting the ceremony and ensuring players participate as scheduled.
The rules leave no room for clubs to decline or postpone the event. However, the current circumstances present a unique challenge: Paris FC has already planned post-match celebrations for its own Ligue 1 survival, making a PSG trophy ceremony on their pitch unlikely. Meanwhile, PSG’s schedule remains packed ahead of a Champions League final on May 30.
Past precedents offer limited guidance
Similar situations have occurred infrequently in recent Ligue 1 history. In 2012 and 2021, Montpellier and Lille secured titles on the final matchday away from home. Both clubs later celebrated with supporters—Montpellier in front of 30,000 fans at Place de la Comédie, and Lille with a private event followed by a city parade.
The LFP now faces a dilemma: enforce a ceremony at Paris FC’s stadium, potentially clashing with their plans, or delay the event until after the season. Given PSG’s upcoming commitments, neither option appears ideal. As the countdown to Sunday’s derby ticks away, the timing of the champions’ trophy moment remains unresolved.
