Marseille’s Ligue 1 season opener postponed after three positive coronavirus cases

08/18/2020

Just three days before the 2020/21 Ligue 1 season kick-started, the league was forced to postpone Olympique Marseille’s opener against Saint-Etienne after three positive coronavirus cases. Marseille confirmed that three individuals within the club had tested positive which forced the league’s hand.

As the Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 ended their 2019/20 season prematurely, alongside a few others across Europe, it meant that their 2020/21 season would start on time as compared to the rest. The schedule would have seen the season kick-start from the 22nd of August with Bordeaux vs Nantes being the first game of the new season. However, Olympique Marseille’s season opener against Saint-Etienne has been postponed after the former confirmed three cases of the coronavirus.

All the clubs within the Ligue 1 have been tested regularly as a part of the league’s safety protocols and Marseille confirmed that three people within the club tested positive for the virus. The club later confirmed that the follow-up tests have all come back positive which takes Marseille’s positive tests to four over the last week. That has seen the Ligue 1 opt to postpone the Les Phoceens' opening day fixture, with the game now set to take place in September, subject to changes.

“In view of the medical results transmitted by Olympique de Marseille this Tuesday, August 18, the national COVID commission indicates to the LFP Competitions Commission that the virus is circulating within the Marseille club and proposes the postponement of the Olympique de Marseille match. AS Saint-Etienne initially scheduled for Friday August 21, 2020 at 7 p.m., and counting for the 1st day of Ligue 1 Uber Eats,” revealed the statement from the Ligue 1.

“According to the match organization protocol, the LFP Competitions Committee therefore decides to postpone the OM-ASSE match to Wednesday 16 or Thursday 17 September 2020 subject to changes in health conditions within the Olympic club. from Marseille. The final date will be determined in agreement with the broadcaster.”