Ligue 1 season opener postponed due to COVID-19 outbreak

Ligue 1 postponed the opening game of the 2020-21 campaign Tuesday after Marseille confirmed four COVID-19 cases.

Andre-Villas Boas' side was set to kick off the league term with a match against Saint-Etienne on Friday. Bordeaux's visit from Nantes, which was originally scheduled for Saturday, has since been moved into the Friday evening slot.

Marseille and Saint-Etienne's clash at the Stade Velodrome will be moved to either Sept. 16 or Sept. 17, "subject to the evolution of health conditions at Olympique de Marseille," the Ligue 1 statement read.

Marseille's preseason preparations were also disrupted when an Aug. 5 friendly with Montpellier was canceled after their opponents reported a suspected COVID-19 case within their squad.

Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain and Lyon are currently scheduled to begin their Ligue 1 seasons against Metz and Montpellier, respectively, on Sept. 16. Both clubs are competing in the 2019-20 Champions League semifinals this week.