LIGUE 1 - Monaco-Lyon proposed fixture in China unlikely to happen

According to L'Équipe, both Monaco and Lyon's management have stated that the intended February match in Shanghai is now unlikely to take place.

The concept of playing the matchday 23 game in China was first proposed by the Ligue 1 administration in order to raise French football's reputation abroad, and both Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas and Monaco vice-president Oleg Petrov agreed in principle.

Petrov, on the other hand, has since stated that he does not feel the notion is viable, but that all options for Ligue 1 promotion should be considered.

According to Aulas, the Monaco man called him to warn him that the plan would be complicated due to quarantine periods and international games before and after the event.

The match would have also coincided with the commencement of the Beijing Winter Olympics, prompting Aulas to conclude that it was best to "back out." In any event, the Ligue 1 authorities would have needed FIFA's approval, which has already turned down two identical petitions from La Liga.