Published on 28 October 2026 – 19:42 GMT+1
A football match between Rennes and Greek side Olympiacos has been moved forward by a day because a general strike is planned in France next week.
The Europa League fixture was originally set for Thursday, 5 November, but will now take place a day earlier at 4:30 pm local time.
UEFA made the change after French trade unions announced the walkout. The governing body said French authorities informed it that the usual security arrangements for the match in Rennes could not be guaranteed on the scheduled day.
The 4:30 pm kick‑off was chosen to avoid clashing with two Champions League games slated for 6:45 pm: Fenerbahçe versus Liverpool and AEK Athens versus Real Madrid.
Rennes fans react angrily
The new timing has sparked outrage among Rennes supporters. “A 4:30 pm match on a Wednesday is not easy for everyone,” said 33‑year‑old fan Romain in an interview with Euronews.
While he can negotiate time off work, many others cannot. On platform X, supporter Quentin posted that he was “fuming with rage” after paying for a ticket he would be unable to use.
Comments under the club’s announcement described the decision as a “disgrace” and accused UEFA of showing “a lack of respect” for fans.
Other matches postponed amid unrest
French trade unions have called a nationwide strike for 5 November, part of protests that began after students raised concerns about school conditions.
Large demonstrations were held on 17 and 24 October. The first “Act I” saw considerable damage and looting on the fringes of the marches, while “Act II” a week later proceeded more peacefully.
The unrest has disrupted domestic fixtures. The Professional Football League (LFP) has already postponed several Ligue 1 games. A match between PSG and Olympique Lyonnais, originally scheduled for Sunday, 25 October, was moved to the following day.
Additional schedule changes for the weekend include: OGC Nice versus Stade Rennais on Friday, 30 October; Olympique Lyonnais versus Angers SCO on Sunday, 1 November; and FC Lorient versus Stade Brestois on Monday, 2 November.