French clubs are starting the European season in a very uncomfortable position, as the Netherlands have virtually taken over fifth place in the association rankings.
PSG, Lens, OM, Toulouse, Rennes and Lille know their mission. The six French clubs engaged on the European scene this season will have to defend the superior interests of Ligue 1.
A few weeks ago, at the end of the 2022-2023 financial year, France narrowly retained its fifth place in the UEFA rankings, with the consequence of having four potential representatives next season in the Champions League, with the place of the new format.
But this Wednesday, as OM begin their Champions League campaign against Panathinaikos, France have slipped to sixth place, behind the Netherlands. The UEFA index is based on results over five years, and the withdrawal of points for the 2018-2019 season is not favorable to French clubs, which had performed better that year than their Dutch counterparts.
If France ends this season in sixth place, the table would be much less favorable to them for the 2025-2026 season, with the return to three clubs in the Champions League, and additional play-off rounds for the qualified in the Europa League and League Conference. Suffice to say that the 2025-2026 season starts now, with this Panathinaikos-OM…
