Following a meeting Thursday afternoon at Lyon’s prefecture, the National Directorate for the Prevention of Hooliganism classified the August 26 clash at Groupama Stadium as a high-risk game, level 4 on a 5-point scale.

2,220 Turkish fans expected in Lyon

2,220 Turkish supporters are expected in Lyon for the Champions League playoff return leg, while fewer than 200 Lyon fans will travel to Istanbul on Tuesday. The Turkish contingent includes 1,000 from Turkey and 1,000 from the European Union, plus 200 identified high-risk individuals and 20 VIPs. They will be housed in a dedicated 2,816-seat section, with 500 to 700 Turkish fans flagged as potential troublemakers.

Strict ticketing measures enforced

No tickets will be sold at Groupama Stadium or the Eurexpo meeting point near Chassieu on matchday. Turkish supporters will exchange counter-marks provided by Fenerbahçe—distributed exclusively through official channels—for stadium access tickets. The Turkish fan gathering is scheduled for 6:00 PM at Eurexpo, followed by transport to Groupama Stadium via 15 to 20 buses or shuttles.

Lyon cracks down on ticket resale violations

To prevent Turkish fans from purchasing tickets independently, Olympique Lyonnais opened its ticketing exclusively to season ticket holders Thursday. The club has identified three groups violating resale bans and will notify them via letter of suspended season tickets without refunds. Further stadium bans may follow.

Lessons from past clashes shape security plans

The prefecture may impose additional restrictions, such as banning Turkish or identified supporters from central Lyon on August 26, depending on the August 18 first-leg result. This measure aims to prevent clashes with Lyon ultras, following the violent disturbances during Beşiktaş’s visit to Décines-Charpieu on April 13, 2017, during the Europa League quarterfinal first leg. Authorities plan to deploy three additional CRS companies beyond usual stadium forces, with 50,000 spectators expected for this decisive match.