Rennes refuses to cede return match against PSG despite Luis Enrique's request

Stade Rennais has no intention of sacrificing its return match against PSG. While Luis Enrique is demanding that the second-leg fixture, originally scheduled in Brittany, be played at Parc des Princes, Rennes president Arnaud Pouille has shut the door: “We can do it within the regulations and we will do everything to make it happen.”

It all stemmed from a decision made in haste. The LFP contacted Rennes on the Tuesday before Ligue 1’s opening day to flag deterioration of the Parc des Princes pitch, caused by recent extreme heat. “We received a call from the LFP on Tuesday early afternoon, warning us there was an issue with the pitch and asking if, in case of a swap, we could host the match,” Pouille explained. Mobilizing between 1,600 and 1,700 people to ensure security for such an event in just a few days represented a considerable logistical challenge, validated “fairly quickly” according to the Breton executive.

This forced hospitality, however, came at a cost. Rennes recorded losses estimated at least 500,000 euros, representing 25 to 30% fewer revenues compared to an ordinary match at Roazhon Park. Pouille claims he immediately flagged these financial constraints to the LFP.

Luis Enrique justifies his request to replay the return match in Paris by citing sporting fairness concerns, arguing that the initial swap creates an imbalance for the rest of the season. Stade Rennais, meanwhile, is sticking to the official schedule and sees no reason to concede its home advantage a second time.

Final arbitration now rests with the Professional Football League’s competitions commission, which will have to rule between the two clubs’ interests before March.