Paris Saint-Germain come into Wednesday’s fixture at home to beaten cup finalists Rennes with one clear aim: sewing up the Ligue 1 title.
The big-spending Parisians could have already snared a fourth Ligue 1 crown but a draw at Sochaux on April 27 saw them miss out.
However, it has allowed them the chance of sealing the title at their Parc des Princes home, which will undoubtedly have a party atmosphere on Wednesday should PSG prove successful.
And adding to the festive feel, star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is in line to make his return from a hamstring strain.
And there is no reason to assume the game will go any other way against a Rennes side who lost 2-0 to Guingamp in Saturday’s Coupe de France final, but who are fighting for their lives, sitting just three points above the relegation zone.
PSG have had an extra few days off after this fixture was postponed from the weekend as Rennes were involved in the Cup final.
But that has not meant things have been plain-sailing, with press speculation claiming that record signing Edinson Cavani could be bound for the English Premier League with both Manchester United and Chelsea mooted as possible destinations
There has also been talk of AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini becoming the club’s new sporting director, a post that has been empty this season following Brazilian Leonardo’s departure in June after he was handed a lengthy 12-month ban for barging a referee.
The French champions have not commented on the rumour, preferring to focus on Wednesday’s match, but Maldini himself told BeIN SPORTS, who are owned by the same Qatari family that owns PSG, that the club does not need him, nor a sporting director.
Meanwhile, things are not entirely tranquil at PSG’s only remaining title rivals Monaco.
Despite a stunning first season back in the French top flight, in which they are guaranteed a top two finish -- and consequently a place in next season’s Champions League group stages -- there remains uncertainty over coach Claudio Ranieri’s future, with just one year left on his contract.
Not that Ranieri seems worried.
“I think this week I will speak (with club officials) to set up a meeting,” said the Italian.
“Now that we’re assured of second place, things should speed up.
“But the more time that passes, the more sure I am of one thing, although I’ll keep that to myself.
“What is certain is that I will be coaching next season,” he added somewhat ambiguously.
However, he was keen to remind his bosses just how well he thinks he has done this season.
“I have a contract (until June 2015). The management know what I’ve done, we’ve had a great season,” he said.
“I think I’ve done a very, very, very good job this season! It’s not easy to come up from the second division and have the season we’ve had.”
Barring an unlikely turnaround, Monaco will finish second.
They host Guingamp, themselves desperate for points as they sit just one point above the relegation places, on Wednesday but trail PSG by eight points with just three games remaining.
And as PSG have a vastly superior goal difference (plus-15) Monaco would almost certainly need to win their remaining three games and see PSG lose all three of theirs in order to snatch the title, something Ranieri is not banking on.
“I’ve said it before, only PSG can lose the title. I just want us to win our last three games, without thinking about PSG,” he said.
Fixtures:
Wednesday
Monaco v Guingamp, Paris Saint-Germain v Rennes
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Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
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