D1 Arkéma: “it’s a total heresy”, OL regrets the play-off system

OL women considered, on Friday, the establishment of play-offs in D1 in order to award the national title to be unfair, a formula of decisive matches which could deprive the Rhone club of qualification for the Champions League.

Lyon is however leader with eleven points ahead of PSG (2nd) and must face Reims (4th) on Sunday (5:00 p.m.) at Groupama stadium in the semi-final.

“Our goal is to finish as champions. These play-offs are very weird culturally. All the work put in this season will help us, but from an accounting standpoint, we erase everything. This is unprecedented. In terms of fairness, it is particular but we adapt, as very often. This can generate frustration especially for us, OL,” regretted coach Sonia Bompastor at a press conference.

For his part, the general director, Vincent Ponsot also insisted on the “unfair side in terms of meritocracy”.

“OL are eleven points ahead of second place, 26 points ahead of fourth place and can not only lose the title, but not be European next season if they lose their two play-off matches, which is a total heresy. There are other solutions than putting everything at stake over two matches to have more competitiveness in French women's football,” he said in the columns of the daily Le Progrès, Friday.

“There was a working group this year where the vast majority of clubs spoke out against the principle of play-offs. Adjustments are planned for next season in terms of European qualification, but the play-offs are maintained. The position of the clubs is therefore not sufficient,” continued the manager.

The first four in D1 compete in the semi-finals which will pit Lyon against Reims (4th) and Paris SG against Paris FC (3rd). The two finalists are qualified for the Champions League as well as the winner of the match for 3rd place.

Lyon must also play the final of the Champions League on May 25 in Bilbao against FC Barcelona.