FC Annecy host FC Metz this Saturday, 29 August at 14:00 at the Parc des Sports, with Antoine Valnet appointed as the referee for this 4th matchday of Ligue 2. Le Republicain-Lorrain revealed the full officiating team and practical details for travelling Metz supporters.

Who is referee Antoine Valnet?

Antoine Valnet, aged 37, will be the man in the middle for FC Metz's trip to Haute-Savoie. He will be assisted by Quentin Guidou and Élodie Coppola, with Jean-Guillaume Dasque serving as the fourth official. Valnet's last match involving FC Metz was on 8 February 2025, a 3-1 victory for the Grenats against Clermont at the Stade Saint-Symphorien. This past experience with the visiting team adds context to his appointment.

How can Metz supporters attend the match?

The away section at the Parc des Sports will be open to FC Metz fans. Tickets are priced at 5 euros and are available via the Lorraine club's online ticket office. Holders of a ticket voucher must exchange it upon arrival at the stadium. The Haute-Savoie Prefecture may issue a specific order concerning the movement of Metz supporters, a standard security measure for this type of fixture.

What is FC Metz's training schedule?

FC Metz began their specific preparation for this trip with a behind-closed-doors session on Wednesday 26 August at 10:30, followed by a second at 15:30 the same day. The schedule continues on Thursday 27 August with training at 14:00, also behind closed doors. A final session is planned for Friday 28 August at 10:30 before departure for Annecy. The team will rest on Sunday 30 August, a day when other sections of the club resume action.

What other FC Metz team matches are on this weekend?

Several other FC Metz teams are in action this weekend. The women's team faces Lens on Saturday 29 August at 15:00 in Avion for the 2nd matchday of the Coupe LFFP. On Sunday, the U19s play Clermont at 11:00, the National 1 team hosts Neuilly-sur-Marne at Frescaty at 15:00, and the U17s meet Valenciennes at the Plaine de Jeux Saint-Symphorien at the same time. Additionally, a Belgian D2 match between RFC Seraing and Lierse SK is scheduled for Sunday at 19:15 at the Stade du Pairay.

What is the upcoming schedule for FC Metz?

After the match in Annecy, FC Metz will follow up by hosting Rodez on Saturday 5 September at 14:00. The Ligue 2 calendar then includes a trip to Red Star on Monday 14 September at 20:45, followed by the visit of Saint-Étienne on Saturday 19 September at 20:00. In October, the Grenats will go to Dijon on Monday 12 October at 20:45 before hosting FC Sochaux on Saturday 17 October at 14:00. You can check the full schedule on our fixtures page.

What is the sporting context for FC Annecy? FC Annecy approaches this match from a position of strength in the table. The team currently sits 4th in Ligue 2 with 6 points, from two wins and one loss in three games. Their attacking record is 4 goals scored and 3 conceded, for a +1 goal difference. The Annecy side are three points behind the leaders, Saint-Étienne. Their attacker M. Sahi is the club's top scorer so far this season with one goal in three appearances. The full standings are on our standings page.

Alongside the sporting news, former FC Metz player Robert Pirès shared on his social media a statement from former French internationals, led by Mikaël Silvestre. They are "calling for 'change' at the head of FIFA" according to Le Republicain-Lorrain, following the crisis sparked by the aborted project to open the World Cup to private investors. Robert Pirès will celebrate his jubilee at the Stade Saint-Symphorien on 6 October. For FC Annecy, the immediate objective is to confirm their strong start to the season against a Metz side placed 6th, and to stay in the leading pack ahead of a decisive run of games.