The Mayor of Paris, Emmanuel Grégoire, has decided against setting up a fan zone for the UEFA Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal, scheduled for May 30. After consulting with the Interior Minister, security concerns from the police prefecture led to the cancellation of the planned public viewing area, leaving the Parc des Princes as the sole location for the broadcast.

Emmanuel Grégoire, who took office as mayor earlier this year, initially expressed interest in creating a free public viewing space for the highly anticipated match. However, following a meeting with Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, the plan was abandoned. The Mayor acknowledged the challenges, stating, “This isn’t the right time.” The decision comes amidst a packed event calendar on May 30, including concerts by Aya Nakamura, Damso, and Bouss, which would have strained police resources further.

security challenges mount after champions league semifinal celebrations

A large-scale public screening at the Parc des Princes will still take place, requiring significant police presence. While the Mayor remains committed to hosting future free public events in Paris, the immediate focus is on ensuring safety and order. The decision follows a turbulent period after the Champions League semifinal victory, during which 127 people were arrested across the Paris metropolitan area. Eleven individuals were injured, including one critically, while 23 police officers sustained minor injuries.

Last year’s Champions League final celebrations also saw over 500 arrests following disturbances in Paris and other regions. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez had previously raised concerns about the unilateral announcement of the fan zone plan by the Mayor shortly after PSG’s final qualification on May 6. Opposition figures, including Eric Schahl, criticized Grégoire for failing to consult local district mayors before making the announcement.