Football matches across Martinique are being moved to daytime kick-offs as the island’s Football League takes exceptional steps to protect players, officials and supporters amid ongoing social unrest.

The Ligue de Football de Martinique announced the change on October 22, following road blockades, travel difficulties and nighttime curfew measures affecting several communes. The decision applies to official matches originally scheduled at night, including fixtures on Friday, October 23, and Saturday, October 24, as well as upcoming rounds while the security situation warrants it.

Under the new arrangement, matches will be rescheduled for daytime wherever possible. Fixtures that cannot safely take place during daylight may be postponed, with the league reviewing arrangements as conditions evolve.

The league said the priority is protecting everyone involved in football, including players, referees, team officials, coaches, volunteers and spectators. Officials are making changes to competition calendars and will communicate updated kick-off times to clubs.

Two sixth-round Coupe de France matches in the Martinique zone are scheduled for Saturday, October 24, at 3 p.m. L’Aiglon du Lamentin is due to face AS Morne-des-Esses at the Saint-Joseph stadium, while RC Saint-Joseph is scheduled to meet Club Franciscain at Stade Georges-Gratiant in Le Lamentin. Supporters should check for any further changes before travelling.

The scheduling change highlights how the island’s wider security situation is affecting grassroots and competitive sport. The league says the measure is preventive and exceptional, and it may be reviewed as conditions improve or deteriorate.