Achraf Hakimi questions neutral venue after PSG lose French Champions Trophy

Monday 17 August 2026 - 17:54

By: Sahili Aya

Achraf Hakimi questions neutral venue after PSG lose French Champions Trophy

Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi has expressed frustration over the conditions surrounding the Trophée des champions final defeat against RC Lens, arguing that the match did not provide a truly neutral setting for both teams.

PSG lost 1-0 to Lens on Sunday at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis, missing out on the traditional clash between the Ligue 1 champions and the Coupe de France winners.

Hakimi highlights lack of neutrality

Despite controlling much of the game and creating several scoring opportunities, PSG were unable to find the breakthrough. Lens secured the trophy thanks to a goal from Florian Thauvin, while the hosts had to finish the match with 10 players after Kyllian Antonio’s first-half red card.

For Hakimi, however, the main issue was not only the result but also the environment in which the final was played.

The Moroccan international pointed to the absence of PSG supporters, after the Collectif Ultras Paris decided to boycott the trip in protest against the decision to stage the match in Lens.

“It felt like playing away from home,” Hakimi explained after the match, arguing that a final should take place under balanced conditions for both teams.

A final played in a familiar atmosphere for Lens

The Paris defender stressed that previous editions of the competition had often been held at neutral venues, allowing both sets of supporters to share the stadium atmosphere.

According to Hakimi, the setting at Bollaert-Delelis created conditions closer to a regular Ligue 1 away match rather than a neutral final.

The player nevertheless avoided using the venue as an excuse for PSG’s defeat, acknowledging that the team must improve and focus on upcoming challenges.

PSG look ahead after missed opportunity

The loss represents an early setback for Luis Enrique’s squad, which had entered the match aiming to add another trophy to its collection.

Hakimi insisted that the team must learn from the disappointment and continue working throughout the season.

The Moroccan defender remains one of PSG’s key figures and is expected to play an important role as the club pursues further domestic and European ambitions.

Debate over the future of the Trophée des champions

Hakimi’s comments have reignited discussions about how the Trophée des champions should be organised.

The choice of venue has often been debated, particularly when one finalist has a strong local advantage.

For many observers, the question remains whether the competition should prioritise accessibility for fans or guarantee a fully neutral environment similar to other major finals.