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According to RMC Sport, the Collectif Ultra Paris (CUP) has decided to boycott the upcoming Trophée des Champions match between Paris Saint-Germain and RC Lens, scheduled for Sunday, August 16, 2026, at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis. The supporter group’s decision stems from ongoing disputes over venue selection and ticket allocation, echoing a similar protest from the 2024 edition.
Venue Discontent and Ticket Allocation
The core grievance driving the boycott is the French football fixture’s location. Furthermore, the group points to an unfair distribution of tickets for the fixture at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis in Lens. While the previous edition of the Trophée des Champions on January 8, 2025, saw PSG defeat Olympique de Marseille at Kuwait City, this year’s match brings the champions of France straight to the home ground of Coupe de France winners RC Lens, kicking off at 20:45.
Historical Precedents of CUP Boycotts
This protest marks the second time in three seasons that Paris Saint-Germain’s most prominent ultra faction has chosen to stay away from the traditional curtain-raiser. The CUP previously boycotted the 2024 edition when the French league organizers scheduled the match between PSG and Toulouse at the Parc des Princes. League officials had briefly evaluated hosting the Lens-PSG clash abroad in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, and Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo. However, according to La Voix du Nord, the Ligue de Football Professionnel ultimately avoided those international venues due to player health concerns following a prior incident in the Women’s League Cup final where multiple participants fell ill.
Upcoming Match Context
The boycott leaves Paris Saint-Germain’s squad facing RC Lens without their most vocal section of traveling support. The fixture arrives immediately on the heels of high-profile summer commitments, following a recent pre-season friendly where PSG drew with Manchester United, alongside their competitive preparations for the European Super Cup clash against Aston Villa. As the squads finalize their preparations for the 20:45 kickoff in Lens, the absence of the CUP highlights ongoing tensions between major French supporter groups and football authorities regarding match locations and stadium accessibility.
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