The Mayor of Paris, Emmanuel Grégoire, has decided not to set up a fan zone for the Champions League final between PSG and Arsenal on May 30. This move comes after reservations from police authorities and an already tense security environment. Instead, the match will be broadcast at the Parc des Princes.
Following consultations with the Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, Emmanuel Grégoire abandoned his plan to create a free public viewing area. The decision was confirmed after a meeting on Monday, aligning with concerns raised by police regarding safety risks. Just days earlier, the mayor acknowledged the préfecture de police‘s reservations, stating, “This isn’t the right timing.”
The capital will already face significant security demands on May 30, with major events like concerts by Aya Nakamura at the Stade de France, Damso at La Défense Arena, and Bouss at the Accor Arena. These gatherings will divert substantial police resources, further complicating crowd management for the Champions League final.
127 arrests in Paris area after semi-final celebrations
The mayor, however, reaffirmed his commitment to hosting future public and free events in Paris, despite this setback. The decision to proceed with a stadium-based broadcast at Parc des Princes will still require significant law enforcement deployment.
Post-semi-final festivities saw 127 individuals arrested in the Paris metropolitan area, 11 injured (one critically), and 23 police officers lightly hurt. Last year, over 500 arrests followed Champions League celebrations, marred by unrest in Paris and other regions.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez had previously expressed concerns over Emmanuel Grégoire‘s “unilateral” announcement on May 6, following PSG’s qualification. Opposition councilor Eric Schahl criticized the mayor for failing to consult district mayors beforehand, calling it a “backtracking” move.
