PSG forced to move opening league match as heatwave in France damages pitch

Paris Saint-Germain's opening game of its title defence in the French league against Rennes has been relocated at short notice since of damage to the champion's pitch after a heatwave this summer.

Sunday's match will now take place in Rennes, French football's competitions committee confirmed late on Wednesday.

PSG remarked its pitch at Parc des Princes had deteriorated so much "that the current conditions did not allow the match to be held under satisfactory circumstances, particularly with regard to the safety and physical well-being of the players".

Meanwhile, the change of venue has been decided "in agreement" with Rennes, PSG remarked, and thanked its opponent for "making the match possible".

"Paris Saint-Germain fully understands the inconvenience caused by this change for its supporters and all those who had planned to attend this match at the Parc des Princes, " PSG continued, saying "the club regrets this exceptional situation."

PSG remarked it had "identified a solution for replacing the pitch at the Parc des Princes for the upcoming matches, " starting with its next home game in Ligue 1 against Monaco on September 4.

Meanwhile, the defending French league and Champions League winners opened their season with a win against Aston Villa last Wednesday in Austria to defend their UEFA Super Cup title.

For now, PSG forced to move opening league match as heatwave in France damages remains the part of the story worth watching, and further updates are likely as more details are confirmed.