Ligue 1: France football 2019-20 season "cannot return" - PM

The French government has suspended sport in the country until the end of the month of August , which would see the Ligue 1 season end without any more play. The LFP will meet in May with the Federation to determine next season's promotions, relegation and European positions.

Ligue 1 could be left uncompleted

Although the LFP confirmed that clubs’ training in France will resume on 11 May, the government does not share the decision of the highest body in French football. Prime Minister Édouard Philippe has not authorised the LFP's decision, and made the following announcement on Tuesday:

"The big sporting affairs cannot take place before September. The 2019-20 football season cannot return."

The plan had been to finish the competitions on 2 August at the latest, but with no guarantees that health conditions can be met during the months of June and July, this was always a huge doubt.

The consequences are expected to be devastating, both footballing and financially. Ligue 1 clubs could suffer an unprecedented financial hit, which extends to TV rights.

Other leagues watch on with interest, while some observers suggest that it makes more sense to complete this season no matter when football returns. They argue that, with the next campaign at risk of interruption too, it is better to continue when possible.

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