Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire has scrapped plans to set up a fan zone for the Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Arsenal on May 30. The decision comes after police raised security concerns amid an already strained law enforcement situation.
Grégoire abandoned the idea following a Monday meeting with Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, confirming earlier reports. Days prior, the mayor acknowledged the police’s reservations, admitting, “It’s not the right time.” The French capital is already bracing for multiple high-profile events on May 30, including concerts by Aya Nakamura at the Stade de France, Damso at La Défense Arena, and Bouss at Accor Arena—all of which will demand significant police resources.
Security concerns outweigh fan zone plans
The mayor’s pivot follows intense deliberations over public safety. While a large-screen broadcast will still take place inside Parc des Princes, officials stress the need for stringent security measures. Grégoire, however, remains committed to organizing future free public events in Paris, despite the current setback.
Post-semifinal celebrations saw 127 arrests in the Paris metropolitan area, with eleven civilians injured—one critically—and 23 lightly injured police officers. Last year’s Champions League victory celebrations ended in over 500 arrests nationwide, marred by unrest in Paris and beyond.
Interior Minister Nuñez had already criticized Grégoire’s unilateral announcement following PSG’s final qualification on May 6, calling for better coordination. Opposition councilor Eric Schahl also criticized the mayor for failing to consult arrondissement mayors beforehand, labeling the decision a “backtracking.”
