Paris Saint-Germain is facing a wave of criticism following a controversial proposal to reschedule their highly anticipated match against Olympique de Marseille. The “Classique,” originally set for Sunday evening, was postponed to Monday at 8 p.m. due to severe weather. However, with the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony scheduled for the exact same time, reports emerged that PSG suggested an earlier kick-off, either at 3 or 5 p.m., to accommodate their players.
This suggestion has been met with a furious response, with prominent journalist Daniel Riolo of RMC calling it “shameful” and a “total lack of respect.” Riolo argued that the proposal showed PSG’s disregard for the significance of the rivalry match and its supporters, who would be forced to take time off work to attend.
“By making this suggestion, you’re basically saying: ‘We don’t care about this match; all that matters to us is the Ballon d’Or ceremony,'” Riolo stated on air. He went on to say that OM would likely never have agreed to the change, but the mere act of proposing it was a “disgraceful suggestion.”
PSG’s apparent confidence that one of their players, widely rumored to be Ousmane Dembélé, will win the prestigious award appears to be the driving force behind the move. Despite the poor timing of the Ballon d’Or ceremony, Riolo insisted that the focus should remain on the football match itself. He acknowledged that Dembélé, the likely winner, would still be able to celebrate his achievement regardless of the match’s timing.
The fiery debate has cast a shadow over both the Classique and the Ballon d’Or ceremony, raising questions about a club’s priorities when faced with a clash of major events.
