French cup finals could be played with fans after government opens stadiums

The Coupe de France and Coupe de la Ligue finals could be played in front of supporters after the French government announced stadiums will re-open from July 11.

Up to 5,000 fans will be granted entry into venues to watch live sports. That restriction could be eased in time for the start of the 2020-21 Ligue 1 season, which is currently scheduled for the weekend of Aug. 22.

"A further review of the national epidemiological situation will be carried out in mid-July to decide whether a loosening is possible for the second half of August," the French government said, according to Reuters.

Paris Saint-Germain will compete in both of France's domestic cup finals. Their opponents for the Coupe de France showpiece are Saint-Etienne, while Lyon will challenge them in the last-ever final of the Coupe de la Ligue.

The 2019-20 Ligue 1 campaign was canceled on April 30. Paris Saint-Germain were declared champions, but Amiens and Toulouse avoided relegation into Ligue 2 after appealing to France's highest administrative court.