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French Champions Trophy: PSG vs Monaco to be played in Doha

This season, it was supposed to be staged in Beijing on August 8 to mark the 60th anniversary of France and China establishing diplomatic relations.

Published : Jan 03, 2025 20:13 IST , Doha - 3 MINS READ

AFP

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Paris Saint-Germain could lift its first silverware of the season when it plays AS Monaco in the French Champions Trophy in Doha on Sunday, with the staging of the fixture in Qatar underlining the Gulf state’s influence over football in France.

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The game is the traditional curtain-raiser to the French campaign. While Spain and Italy have expanded their Super Cup into four-team competitions and taken them to Saudi Arabia, France has regularly staged the Champions Trophy overseas in recent years, since the 2009 edition was held in Montreal, Canada.

This season, it was supposed to be staged in Beijing on August 8 to mark the 60th anniversary of France and China establishing diplomatic relations.

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However, the fixture ended up being called off by the Chinese authorities, just like it was a year earlier when the game was due to take place in Thailand.

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While last season’s edition ended up going ahead in Paris in January, with PSG beating Toulouse, this time Qatar has stepped into the breach.

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Ivory Coast was also a potential destination and there would almost certainly have been a large and passionate crowd had the game been staged in the football-mad, French-speaking country in West Africa.

But Qatar stepped in with an offer that persuaded the French league (LFP) -- struggling financially after being forced to accept a much-reduced offer last year for its domestic television rights -- to go to the Gulf.

“Several offers were made, and the Doha solution was the best solution for the date, both for the LFP and for the two participating teams,” the French league told AFP.

And so the match -- sponsored by the Qatar tourism authority -- will go ahead at the Stadium 974 in Doha, one of the venues used at the 2022 World Cup.

Like a home game

Qatar’s influence in French football dates back to the acquisition of PSG by Qatar Sports Investments in 2011.

PSG was an ailing giant at the time, but under QSI and Qatari president Nasser al-Khelaifi, it has been turned into the dominant force in the French game, its financial might crushing all rivals.

The club is on course to win an 11th Ligue 1 title in the last 13 seasons, while victory on Sunday would see them claim the Champions Trophy for the 11th time in 12 years.

Khelaifi is also on the board of directors of the LFP, as well as being chairman of beIN Media Group, which is one of the domestic broadcasters of Ligue 1 in France.

The match usually pits the champions against the French Cup winners, but PSG won both trophies last season and so Ligue 1 runners-up Monaco were chosen as their challengers.

PSG won 4-2 in Monaco in Ligue 1 just before the recent mid-season break and will be favourites to come out on top again, especially given the surroundings.

“This is like a home game for us,” admitted PSG coach Luis Enrique during a press conference held during the team’s flight to Doha aboard a Qatar Airways jet.

The club has even taken steps to persuade fans to make the trip to attend the game, despite the six-hour flight separating Paris from Doha.

A package comprising a return flight, hotel accommodation and a match ticket was offered for 100 euros ($103) for several hundred fans.

However, the club’s ultras -- the most fervent supporters -- turned down the offer for a game in which opponents Monaco will be aiming to lift a first trophy si

When will PSG vs AS Monaco French Champions Trophy match kick-off?

The French Champions Trophy match between PSG and AS Monaco will kick-off at 10:00 PM IST on Sunday, January 5.

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ChatGPT said:

ChatGPT

The PSG vs. AS Monaco French Champions Trophy match will kick off at 10:00 PM IST on Sunday, January 5, 2025. The game will be played at Stadium 974 in Doha, Qatar. This match acts as a curtain-raiser for the French football season, and PSG is the favorite to win, given its dominance and familiarity with the venue.

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Details se 

ChatGPT said:

ChatGPT

PSG vs AS Monaco: French Champions Trophy 2025

Here are the detailed highlights of the upcoming match:

Match Overview

Event: French Champions Trophy (Trophée des Champions)

Teams: Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) vs AS Monaco

Date: Sunday, January 5, 2025

Time: 10:00 PM IST

Venue: Stadium 974, Doha, Qatar

Significance: This match serves as the traditional curtain-raiser to the French football season.

Background

Venue Choice

The game was initially planned to be held in Beijing to commemorate the 60th anniversary of France-China diplomatic ties.

Due to cancellations by Chinese authorities, Qatar stepped in as the host.

This decision aligns with Qatar’s growing influence in French football, largely due to its ownership of PSG through Qatar Sports Investments (QSI).

PSG's Dominance

PSG has dominated French football, winning 11 Ligue 1 titles in the last 13 seasons.

The club is aiming to win the Champions Trophy for the 11th time in 12 years.

Monaco's Challenge

Monaco qualified as Ligue 1 runners-up since PSG won both Ligue 1 and the French Cup last season.

They will aim for their first trophy under the current management.

Key Players

PSG: Gonçalo Ramos (forward), Ousmane Dembélé, and Marquinhos are expected to lead the charge.

Monaco: Aleksandr Golovin and Wissam Ben Yedder will be key players to watch.

Match Insights

Past Meetings

In their last Ligue 1 clash before the mid-season break, PSG defeated Monaco 4-2 in Monaco.

PSG enters the game as strong favorites, especially given their familiarity with Doha, often referred to as a "home venue" for the club.

Fan Engagement

PSG has offered travel packages (return flights, hotel stays, and match tickets) for 100 euros to encourage fans to travel to Doha.

However, PSG's ultras have refused to travel for the match.

Financial Implications

The French League (LFP) faced financial struggles after a reduced domestic TV rights deal and chose Qatar for its lucrative hosting offer.

The match is sponsored by Qatar’s tourism authority.

Broadcast Information

Kick-off Time: 10:00 PM IST (Sunday)

Live Streaming/TV: Check your local sports networks for updates.

Expectations

PSG is likely to dominate due to its superior squad strength and experience.

Monaco will look to challenge PSG's dominance and start the

ir season with a major win.

This match highlights Qatar’s growing influence in football and sets the stage for another exciting season of French football.

ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.

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