Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire has decided against setting up a fan zone for the upcoming Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal on May 30. The decision comes amid strong reservations from police authorities and a packed security schedule for the same day.
Mayor Grégoire abandoned plans to create a free public viewing area after a meeting with Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez on Monday. The move confirms earlier concerns raised by law enforcement regarding the feasibility of such an initiative. Before the discussion with the minister, the mayor acknowledged the police’s reservations, which had been formally expressed just days prior.
“This isn’t the right moment,” the mayor admitted, pointing to multiple high-profile events scheduled for May 30. These include concerts by Aya Nakamura at the Stade de France, Damso at La Défense Arena, and Bouss at the Accor Arena—all of which will require significant police deployment.
127 arrests after PSG’s semi-final victory
The Champions League final will instead be broadcast on a giant screen inside Parc des Princes, though this will still demand substantial law enforcement resources. Mayor Grégoire reaffirmed his commitment to hosting future public and free events in Paris, despite the current setback.
Following PSG’s semi-final win over Bayern Munich, authorities reported 127 arrests in the Paris metropolitan area, including 11 injuries—one critical—and 23 lightly injured police officers. Last year’s Champions League victory celebrations saw over 500 arrests in Paris and surrounding regions after disorder marred the festivities.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez had previously expressed concerns over Mayor Grégoire’s unilateral announcement made on May 6, following PSG’s qualification. Opposition council member Eric Schahl criticized the mayor for failing to consult district mayors beforehand, calling the reversal a “backtracking” on an ill-prepared plan.
