Sun Sep 14 12:40:00 UTC 2025: ## PSG-Lens Match Time Shift Sparks Controversy Between beIN Sports and Ligue 1

**Paris, France** – The highly anticipated Ligue 1 clash between Paris Saint-Germain and Lens has been moved from its usual Saturday 5 PM slot to Sunday at 5:15 PM, courtesy of a request from beIN Sports, the match’s broadcaster. This scheduling shift has ignited a controversy, pitting the sports network against Ligue 1’s own broadcasting channel, Ligue 1+, which will now face direct competition with its multiplex match programming.

According to their contract, beIN Sports is permitted to alter its Saturday afternoon slot up to six times per season, opting for alternatives like Friday at 8:45 PM or Sunday at 3 PM or 5:15 PM. This time, the broadcaster claims they exercised their “joker” to accommodate Real Sociedad vs. Real Madrid La Liga match on Saturday afternoon.

This isn’t the first time beIN Sports has leveraged this contractual clause, having done so multiple times in previous seasons. However, the move this time has sparked debate.

The scheduling change means PSG will have an extra day to rest its international players before their Champions League match against Atalanta Bergam on September 17th, and some observers have even suggested that the change was orchestrated by PSG, whose president, Nasser al-Khelaïfi, also chairs beIN Media Group. However, beIN Sports has vehemently denied these allegations.

Adding another layer to the situation, Ligue 1 had to seek beIN’s approval to schedule three matches in competition with PSG-Lens, further highlighting the broadcaster’s influence. While beIN agreed, the situation underscores the delicate power dynamic between the league and its broadcast partners, especially as beIN is currently challenging the contract’s flexibility in court while also facing scrutiny for partially paying its initial installment.

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