On the evening of September 21, weather services issued a high‑alert storm warning for the Marseille region. Strong gusts, heavy rain and the risk of flooding made the Stade Vélodrome unsafe for both the 67,000‑strong crowd and the teams preparing to line up. The Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) acted quickly, invoking its protocol that any match halted by dangerous weather must be replayed the following day if possible. As a result, the much‑anticipated Le Classique between Olympique de Marseille and Paris Saint-Germain was officially postponed.
Officials from both clubs, the local authorities and the stadium’s safety team convened in the stadium’s control room. After reviewing the meteorological data, they concluded that continuing with the match would pose unacceptable risks. The decision was communicated to fans via the clubs’ websites, social media channels and the LFP’s official bulletin, giving everyone clear guidance on the new kickoff time.
Moving the game to Monday, September 22 at 20:00 CET preserves the original venue and the integrity of the fixture. For Marseille, the extra day offers a chance to fine‑tune tactics without the distraction of a raging storm, while PSG can adjust travel plans and maintain their tight schedule ahead of upcoming European commitments.
Ticket holders are not required to repurchase seats; the clubs have promised that all existing tickets will be valid for the new date. Those who cannot attend the Monday match can seek refunds through the official ticketing platforms. Meanwhile, local businesses that count on match‑day foot traffic will experience a brief shift, but the league’s quick re‑booking is expected to minimise financial loss.
The postponement highlights how weather can still throw a wrench into even the most meticulously planned football calendars. Fans eager to see the rivalry unfold will have to wait an extra 24 hours, but the promise of a safe, full‑capacity showdown should keep the excitement alive.