Ligue 1 2020-21 season in turmoil as opening game between Marseille and St Etienne is AXED due to coronavirus

MARSEILLE's Ligue 1 clash against Saint-Etienne in the opening game of the season has been postponed due to coronavirus.

The two teams were set to meet at Stade Velodrome on Friday, but their match will now take place on either September 16 or 17.

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Three members of Marseille's backroom staff have tested positive for Covid-19 ahead of the game against St Etienne.

It brings the total number of confirmed cases of coronavirus at Marseille to four after left-back Jordan Amavi tested positive last week.

As a precaution last week, Marseille cancelled their pre-season friendly against German outfit Stuttgart.

But after three new cases at the club, the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) have swiftly axed Friday's clash.

A statement said: "In view of medical results passed on by Olympique Marseille... the LFP has decided to postpone the Olympique de Marseille/AS Saint-Etienne game to Sept 16 or Sept 17."

Since testing started in France, nearly 40 players have contracted coronavirus from 11 top-flight clubs.

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Marseille's meeting with St Etienne was the only fixture set for Friday, with two games to take place on Saturday, and five ties planned for Sunday.

PSG and Lyon will not be involved this weekend due to their involvement in the Champions League semi-finals.

As a result, Metz and Montpellier will play no part in Ligue 1 matches this weekend.