Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire has abandoned plans to set up a fan zone in the capital for the Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Arsenal on May 30. The decision follows reservations expressed by the police prefecture amid an already heightened security context, with the match set to be broadcast exclusively at Parc des Princes.
Following a Monday meeting with Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, the Socialist mayor shelved his ambition to provide a free public viewing area. Earlier, in a press conference, Grégoire acknowledged the police prefecture’s reservations, which had been declared “unfavorable” to the initiative on Saturday. “This isn’t the right moment,” he conceded, as multiple major events on May 30—including concerts by Aya Nakamura, Damso, and Bouss—will strain police resources.
Security forces will already be stretched thin managing crowd control at Parc des Princes, where a giant screen will broadcast the match. Despite the setback, Grégoire reaffirmed his commitment to hosting future free public events in Paris, had the fan zone materialized.
Mass arrests after PSG’s semi-final victory
Police reported 127 arrests across the Paris metropolitan area following the semi-final win over Bayern Munich. Eleven people were injured, one critically, while 23 officers sustained minor injuries. Last year, post-victory celebrations in Paris and other regions led to over 500 arrests after chaotic scenes marred the Champions League win.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez had already criticized Grégoire’s “unilateral” announcement on May 6 following PSG’s final qualification. Opposition councilor Eric Schahl, from Rachida Dati and Grégory Canal’s group, accused the mayor of failing to consult arrondissement mayors beforehand, dubbing the reversal a “backtrack.”