Following an emergency meeting at the Lyon prefecture, France’s National Anti-Hooliganism Unit classified the August 26 clash between Lyon and Fenerbahçe at Groupama Stadium as a high-risk event, scoring 4 out of 5 on the risk scale.

Expected turnout and security measures

Around 2,220 Turkish supporters are expected in Lyon, including 1,000 from Turkey, 1,000 from EU countries, and 220 identified high-risk individuals. Only 200 Lyon fans are set to travel to Istanbul for the first leg. The visiting fans will be housed in a designated section of 2,816 seats, with 500 to 700 known to pose potential security concerns.

Ticketing restrictions and anti-resale campaign

No tickets will be sold at Groupama Stadium or the Eurexpo meeting point in Chassieu on matchday. Fans must exchange their Fenerbahçe-issued vouchers for entry tickets at the pre-arranged hub, which opens at 6 PM for a supervised gathering before buses shuttle supporters to the stadium.

Lyon has tightened its anti-resale messaging ahead of the match. The club has already identified three groups violating ticketing rules and will send formal notices suspending their season passes without refunds. Further stadium bans may follow.

Lessons from past incidents

Prefectural authorities may impose additional restrictions on Turkish or identified supporters accessing central Lyon, aiming to prevent potential clashes with local ultras. This precaution mirrors measures taken after the violent 2017 clash during Beşiktaş’s visit to Décines-Charpieu, which saw serious crowd disturbances outside the stadium.

To bolster security, three additional CRS units will supplement Lyon’s usual stadium policing. Organizers are preparing for up to 50,000 spectators for this decisive Champions League playoff second leg.