Paris cancels fan zone for champions league final due to security concerns

Emmanuel Grégoire, Mayor of Paris, has decided against setting up a fan zone in the city for the Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal on May 30. This decision follows concerns raised by the police prefecture regarding the already heightened security situation. Instead, the match will be broadcast at the Parc des Princes.

Mayor Grégoire abandoned his plan for a free public viewing area after a meeting with Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez. Earlier, he had acknowledged reservations from the police prefecture, which had expressed its opposition to the project. “This isn’t the right time,” the Mayor admitted during a press conference.

The capital is already facing a packed schedule on May 30, with high-profile events such as concerts by Aya Nakamura at the Stade de France, Damso at La Défense Arena, and Bouss at the Accor Arena. These gatherings are expected to divert significant police resources, further straining security operations.

security challenges ahead of the champions league final

A giant screen broadcast at the Parc des Princes is also planned, which will require additional police deployment. Despite this setback, Mayor Grégoire reaffirmed his commitment to organizing free public events in Paris in the future, emphasizing their importance for the city’s vibrancy.

Security concerns are not unfounded. Following the PSG’s semi-final victory over Bayern Munich, 127 people were arrested in the Paris metropolitan area, with eleven injured—one seriously—and 23 police officers sustaining minor injuries. Last year’s Champions League final celebrations were also marred by incidents, leading to over 500 arrests across Paris and other regions.

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez had previously expressed concerns about Mayor Grégoire’s unilateral announcement following PSG’s qualification on May 6. Opposition councilor Eric Schahl criticized the Mayor for not consulting with district mayors beforehand, calling his decision a “backtrack.”