As the highly anticipated PSG-Arsenal Champions League final draws near on May 30, the question of where fans can gather in Île-de-France to watch the match remains a central concern. For the second consecutive year, Paris will forgo official fan zones. This decision stems from the police prefecture’s opposition, primarily due to the considerable law enforcement resources that will be allocated to three major concerts scheduled concurrently at the Stade de France, La Défense Arena, and the Accor Arena. Nevertheless, a special screening of the match is planned at the Parc des Princes, with tickets available starting from 19 euros, and numerous bars and restaurants across the region are also preparing to welcome supporters. However, orchestrating any public celebrations around this high-stakes football event across Île-de-France presents a formidable security conundrum.

prefectural discussions underway for regional fan zones

Official fan zones are expected to be a rarity for this year’s final. Currently, none have been announced in Hauts-de-Seine, where Prefect Alexandre Brugère has advised mayors against organizing them, emphasizing the need for law enforcement to concentrate efforts on Paris. Meanwhile, in Seine-Saint Denis, discussions are actively taking place between the prefect and local mayors. Bally Bagayoko, the mayor of Saint-Denis, stated in a social media live session on May 14 that “We also want the prefecture to guarantee a certain number of measures that allow us to secure the fan zones.” He also noted the desire of various community groups to establish “popular, citizen fan zones”, which he is prepared to support, provided that adequate security can be ensured.

Despite the broader challenges, some fan zones are slated to proceed in Trappes and Carrières-sous-Poissy. A notable event for approximately 8,000 attendees is planned at the Camp des Loges in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, the historic home of PSG. This enclosed venue offers a more manageable security environment compared to public spaces, particularly as France remains under the