UEFA moves Rennes–Olympiacos over French general strike, match to be played Wednesday at 16:30

UEFA announced on Wednesday that the Europa League match between Rennes and Olympiacos, scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 5, will be played a day earlier, on Wednesday, Nov. 4, at 16:30. The decision came after French unions called a general strike for Nov. 5. Rennes will host the Greek side at their home ground, Roazhon Park.

Security could not be guaranteed

According to UEFA, French authorities informed it that normal security arrangements in Rennes could not be guaranteed on the day of the strike. The unusual afternoon kickoff was also chosen to avoid overlapping with two Champions League matches starting at 18:45: Fenerbahçe–Liverpool and AEK Athens–Real Madrid.

The strike is part of a broader wave of protests across France that began when students raised concerns about conditions in schools. Earlier nationwide demonstrations took place on Oct. 17 and 24: the first was marked by damage and looting, while the second was mostly peaceful. The French football league has also postponed several domestic fixtures.

Anger among fans

The decision was not well received by Rennes supporters. “A match at 4:30 pm on a Wednesday is not easy for everyone,” Romain, a 33-year-old fan, told Euronews. Another, Quentin, said he was “fuming with rage” after paying for a match he will not be able to attend. Other fans called the decision a “disgrace” and a “lack of respect” toward supporters.