What Is 2019-20 Coupe de la Ligue

Overview

The 2019–20 Coupe de la Ligue was the last season of France’s secondary knockout football competition, traditionally contested by Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 clubs. Organized by the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP), it ran from December 2019 through early 2020 before being suspended due to the global pandemic.

Despite initial progress through the early rounds, the tournament was officially abandoned in March 2020, with no champion declared for the final edition. This marked the end of a 26-year tradition that began in 1994 as a midweek alternative to the Coupe de France.

• Paris Saint-Germain were the defending champions, having won the 2019 final 4–1 against Strasbourg at the Stade de France.
• The 2019–20 edition featured 34 teams, including all 20 Ligue 1 clubs and 14 from Ligue 2.
• Matches were played midweek, typically on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, to avoid clashing with league fixtures.
• The quarterfinals took place in January 2020, with Lyon, PSG, and Olympique de Marseille advancing.
• The semifinals in February 2020 saw PSG defeat Lille 2–1 and Lyon beat Metz 3–0 to reach the final.

How It Works

The Coupe de la Ligue followed a single-elimination format, with each round consisting of one-off matches and extra time and penalties used to decide draws.

• Format: The competition used a knockout structure, beginning with preliminary rounds for lower-division teams and progressing to quarterfinals and semifinals. Each match was played at the home ground of one of the teams, determined by draw.
• Eligibility: All Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 clubs were automatically entered, unlike the Coupe de France, which includes amateur teams. This made the Coupe de la Ligue a purely professional tournament.
• Scheduling: Matches were held midweek, usually in December and January, to minimize conflict with league play. The final was traditionally held in April at a neutral venue.
• Prize: The winner earned a spot in the UEFA Europa League group stage, provided they hadn’t already qualified for European competition via league position.
• Refereeing: Each match was overseen by a Ligue 1 referee, with VAR used in later stages starting from the 2018–19 season.
• Attendance: Average attendance in the later rounds ranged from 20,000 to over 75,000 for finals at the Stade de France, reflecting strong fan interest despite midweek scheduling.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the Coupe de la Ligue with France’s other major domestic cup, the Coupe de France, highlighting key differences in structure, participation, and prestige.

While both cups offered European qualification, the Coupe de France held greater historical prestige due to its century-long legacy and inclusive format. The Coupe de la Ligue, by contrast, was seen as secondary, often featuring rotated squads from top clubs. Its discontinuation allowed Ligue 1 teams to reduce fixture congestion, especially with expanded European competitions.

Why It Matters

The end of the Coupe de la Ligue marked a significant shift in French football’s domestic structure, affecting club scheduling, revenue, and fan engagement.

• Financial impact: Clubs lost an estimated €1.5 million in prize money and broadcast revenue per season after the tournament ended.
• Scheduling relief: Abolishing the cup freed up midweek slots, helping reduce player fatigue, especially during congested seasons.
• European qualification: The Europa League spot previously awarded to the winner was redistributed based on league performance.
• Historical legacy: 26 editions produced 10 different winners, with PSG claiming a record 9 titles.
• Broadcasting: Canal+ lost exclusive rights to the tournament, affecting its sports programming lineup.
• Future tournaments: The LFP has not introduced a replacement, focusing instead on strengthening Ligue 1’s commercial value.

The 2019–20 Coupe de la Ligue remains a symbolic endpoint in French football history, representing both the challenges of modern scheduling and the evolving priorities of professional leagues. While its absence simplifies the calendar, it also removes a unique mid-season competition that once brought excitement to midweek football.