A couple of days ago, French Football Federation (FFF) President Noël Le Graët spoke about an August date for a closed-door Coupe de France final between Paris Saint-Germain and AS Saint-Étienne.
However, it seems as though Roland Romeyer, Chairman of the Management Board for Saint-Étienne, doesn’t believe this is a good idea. Romeyer recently spoke to L’Equipe (via Culture PSG) to explain why he might rather see the cup final played in front of fans.
“The Coupe de France is the most beautiful cup there is, with a communion of supporters. That’s football. […] But there, we are told to play in an empty stadium. There would be no more flavor.” Romeyer said. “I can’t imagine for a minute that we play it without our supporters. It will not pass by us. Saint-Étienne, without its supporters, is no longer Saint-Étienne.”
As much as everyone would like to see supporters in the stands for this final between PSG and Saint-Étienne, it isn’t feasibly possible due to there being no vaccine or cure for coronavirus that has been developed yet.
Furthermore, the FFF is following the country’s guidelines, which are laid out by health officials and state that there will be no sporting events before September.
The war of words in the media would continue as FFF president Le Graët fired back at Saint-Étienne’s chairman for presenting the idea of wanting fans so early for a final that will potentially take place in August with no supporters.
“We all want the final to be disputed with the public. Unfortunately, at this hour, it will be without. It is not us who decide, not even the government, but the virus,” Le Graët said. “We cannot play, as it is, with the public before September, so in early August it will be without. Then, if Saint-Étienne does not want to compete in the final, they know the federal decision. ” A decision that would give the Coupe de France PSG without even playing.”
If Saint-Étienne does indeed decided not to play without their supporters, then it will give PSG their second trophy of the 2019-20 season (already crowned Ligue 1 champions) and they go could for the treble if the UEFA Champions League resumes.
Want more PSG? Visit the PSG Talk Podcast Network page and subscribe to PSG Talking, The 1970, and 24th & Parc.
