Security trumps public celebrations as Paris scraps Champions League fan zone
Paris mayor Emmanuel Grégoire has reversed his decision to set up a fan zone for the Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Arsenal on May 30. The move comes after strong objections from the police prefecture amid an already strained security environment, which will now see the match screened exclusively at Parc des Princes.
Following a meeting with Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, Grégoire abandoned his initial plan to create a free public viewing area. Earlier, the mayor had acknowledged reservations from the police prefecture, which had publicly opposed the initiative. “This isn’t the right moment,” Grégoire admitted, citing the concentration of major events on May 30—including concerts by Aya Nakamura at Stade de France, Damso at La Défense Arena, and Bouss at Accor Arena—that would stretch police resources thin.
The decision leaves the Champions League final to be broadcast on a giant screen inside Parc des Princes, requiring significant law enforcement deployment. While Grégoire remains committed to hosting future public, cost-free events in Paris, he has deferred immediate plans in favor of maintaining public order.
Escalating crowd control challenges in the capital
The cancellation follows a turbulent period after PSG’s semi-final victory over Bayern Munich. Authorities reported 127 arrests across the Paris metropolitan area, 11 injuries—one severe—and 23 police officers lightly hurt during post-match celebrations. Last year’s Champions League triumph saw over 500 detentions following clashes in Paris and beyond.
Interior Minister Nuñez had previously expressed concerns over Grégoire’s unilateral announcement of the fan zone on May 6, after PSG’s final qualification. Criticism also came from opposition councillor Eric Schahl, who accused the mayor of failing to consult district leaders before making public commitments.
