France is preparing for one of the biggest security operations of the year. Due to the Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal, 22,000 police officers and gendarmes will be deployed across the country. Around 8,000 law enforcement personnel will be working in greater Paris alone. Authorities are preparing for possible mass celebrations in case PSG wins the most prestigious European club title.
This large-scale mobilization highlights the significance of the match far beyond the sporting context. Paris Saint-Germain has reached the European final again, and victory could bring hundreds of thousands of fans onto the streets of the capital and other French cities. At the same time, memories of riots after previous club successes are still fresh.
After the triumph in the Champions League last year, the celebrations were accompanied by numerous incidents. In Paris and other cities, robberies, car arsons, and clashes between celebrants and law enforcement occurred. More than 500 people were detained at that time. These events are considered a warning signal by the government and have significantly influenced the planning of this year’s final.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez emphasizes that this time the authorities are relying on a particularly large-scale and effective security concept. The main efforts will focus on the Champs-Élysées, which traditionally is the central meeting place for football fans. Increased security measures are also expected near the Parc des Princes, where the final will be broadcast on large screens.
The authority’s strategy is based on a combination of preventive measures and rapid response. The goal is to prevent possible violations at an early stage while being flexible in response to unforeseen events. Security officials are especially concerned that some criminals may stay among those celebrating or take advantage of the attention on the game to organize targeted riots.
Additional measures are intended to reduce the risk of incidents. For example, certain metro stations and regional express rail (RER) lines may be temporarily closed. Traffic restrictions will be imposed in parts of central Paris, and some shops in particularly sensitive areas will operate with earlier closing times. Furthermore, the sale of fuel in canisters and carrying certain items that could be used as throwing weapons or improvised weapons is prohibited.
Security measures are not limited to the capital. 22,000 security personnel will be deployed across the country to also monitor spontaneous gatherings of fans in other cities. Authorities expect that the consequences of a possible PSG victory will extend far beyond Paris.
This situation demonstrates how much major football events have changed. European finals have long been not just sporting climaxes, but significant challenges for public safety. For the French government, it is not only a matter of ensuring uninterrupted celebrations, but also proof that it controls public order. While PSG hopes for a win, the focus of the security forces is on preventing new riots.
Author: Andreas M. Brücker