**UEFA Champions League schedule: PSG, Lens and Lille still have to wait** The UEFA Champions League schedule has been unveiled, and Ligue 1 clubs Paris Saint-Germain, RC Lens and LOSC Lille will have to wait a little longer before their European adventures can begin. The group stage draw is set for August 25, with the first matches scheduled for September 17-18. The knockout phase will kick off in February 2025.

PSG, Lens, and Lille supporters now know who they will face in their UEFA Champions League campaigns. However, they will have to wait a little longer to find out the exact dates and kick-off times of their matches. On Thursday evening, during the draw in Monaco, the French clubs discovered their respective opponents. Some of the more eager supporters are already trying to assess the most practical, least expensive, and safest travel options. These two criteria do not always align with the same destination, as evidenced by Bruges, which does not appear to be the most obvious choice for Lens fans.

A schedule expected by August 29 at the latest

The full UEFA Champions League schedule, including match dates and kick-off times, will be announced by August 29 at the latest, according to the official UEFA website. This deadline is necessary to coordinate requests from broadcasters, clubs, and authorities from different countries. A particular challenge involves clubs located in the same city or within 50 kilometers of each other, to ensure effective police coordination around the matches. In the meantime, clubs and their supporters will have to make do with knowing their opponents while preparing for the logistical challenges of travel. This waiting period may seem long, but it is essential to ensure the optimal organization of the competition.

Choosing criteria that do not always align

For supporters, the choice of travel destinations often depends on several factors: geographical proximity, ticket costs, and safety risks. However, these criteria do not always point to the same destination. Bruges, for example, does not appear to be an obvious option for Lens fans, despite its proximity to France. Clubs will therefore need to adapt their strategies based on the information they receive in the coming days. UEFA, for its part, must juggle technical and logistical constraints to finalize a schedule that suits all stakeholders. A complex but indispensable task for the smooth running of the competition.