The French Football Federation (FFF) has announced the formation of three powerhouses in the upcoming three-power competition for UEFA Champions League qualification in Ligue 1. The competition will be held in Paris, Lens and Monaco.
The FFF announced that the three teams, which include PSG, Lille, and Monaco, will compete in the tournament to determine who will advance to the next stage of the UEFA Champions League. The tournament is set to take place from August 25 to September 28, 2021.
The three teams have already been selected by the FFF, with PSG being the defending champions and Lille having won the previous edition of the tournament. Monaco has also been invited to participate in the tournament, as it was one of the founding members of the Ligue 1 league system.
The FFF's announcement comes just a few weeks after the conclusion of the 2020-2021 season, when the top four clubs in Ligue 1 finished with 44 points each. This marked a significant improvement from the 2019-2020 season, where only two teams finished with 42 points, with Lyon finishing last.
The selection of these three teams follows the FFF's decision to focus on strengthening its domestic leagues rather than focusing on European competitions. The FFF believes that this approach can lead to better performance in domestic competitions and a more stable playing surface for future tournaments.
The three teams will face off in a round-robin format, with matches played at home stadiums across France. The teams will play against each other once every week, with the winner advancing to the quarter-finals. The losers will then move onto the semi-finals, while the winners will face the runners-up in the final.
The FFF's decision to invite Monaco to participate in the tournament reflects the importance of the club in French football. Monaco has been one of the most successful clubs in French football history, winning numerous domestic and international titles over the years. The inclusion of Monaco in the tournament demonstrates the FFF's commitment to promoting the club's presence in French football and providing them with opportunities to compete at a higher level.
Overall, the formation of these three powerhouses in the upcoming three-power competition for UEFA Champions League qualification in Ligue 1 is a positive step towards building a stronger domestic league system and increasing the competitiveness of French football. With the right management and investment, the FFF can help ensure that the club's presence in French football remains strong and sustainable for years to come.