This afternoon, a critical security meeting will take place at the Lyon prefecture. The agenda: finalizing comprehensive safety protocols and ensuring seamless coordination among all stakeholders ahead of the high-stakes UEFA Champions League return fixture against Fenerbahçe on August 26.

Local authorities are particularly concerned about potential clashes between ultra groups during the event. This playoff clash is classified as high-risk, if not very high-risk, due to several factors: Lyon’s substantial Turkish diaspora, the expected arrival of numerous Turkish supporters, and the club’s recent history of supporter-related incidents.

High-risk precedents

Recall the April 13, 2017 Europa League quarter-final first leg between OL and Beşiktaş (2-1). Despite no prior history between the two clubs, the pre-match atmosphere escalated into projectile exchanges in the north stand, leading to CRS interventions and crowd disturbances. More recently, in October 2024, Beşiktaş supporters returned to Décines-Charpieu for a group stage match (0-1) with no qualification stakes. Despite strict security measures, only 30,000 spectators attended the high-risk fixture.

Strict ticketing controls

Upon learning of the playoff draw last week, Olympique Lyonnais has implemented stringent ticketing controls to limit unsupervised Turkish spectators. This Thursday morning, the club will open its online ticketing exclusively to season ticket holders at prices starting from €12 per ticket. Each season ticket holder may purchase up to four tickets for the August 26 showdown. The club will remind all 26,000 season ticket holders that ticket resale is strictly prohibited. They will also be held legally accountable if a ticket purchased by them (tickets are computer-traceable) is used by someone committing an offense or misconduct within Groupama Stadium. Season ticket holders risk potential contract termination without refund.

After this initial phase, Olympique Lyonnais will open ticket sales to regular supporters based on club records, starting next Monday, subject to ticket availability. Through this controlled approach, the Rhône-based club aims to prevent those who recently acquired tickets (e.g., for the Champions League playoff return against Sparta Prague, 3-0) from accessing the stands.