OL restricts ticket sales for Champions League playoff return against Fenerbahçe
A critical security coordination meeting is scheduled for this Thursday afternoon at the Lyon prefecture. The gathering will bring together all stakeholders to finalize stringent safety protocols ahead of the high-risk Champions League playoff return against Fenerbahçe on August 26.
Authorities are particularly concerned about potential clashes between ultras groups surrounding the fixture, which has been classified as a high-risk event. The presence of a sizable Turkish expatriate community in Lyon, the anticipated arrival of numerous Turkish supporters, and the clubs’ recent history contribute to the elevated risk assessment.
During the Champions League quarterfinal first leg between Lyon and Beşiktaş in April 2017, disturbances broke out in the northern stand before kickoff, requiring significant intervention from riot police. In October 2024, for a group stage match without qualification implications, Beşiktaş supporters returned to Décines-Charpieu in a fixture designated as very high-risk. Attendance was capped at 30,000 due to strict security measures.
These past incidents underscore the importance of proactive risk management for this high-stakes playoff return.
Restricted ticket sales to prevent unauthorized resale
Since the playoff draw was announced last week, Olympique Lyonnais has been working to control ticket distribution and minimize the presence of unsupervised Turkish spectators. Starting Thursday morning, ticket sales will open exclusively to club season ticket holders on the official website, with prices starting at €12 per ticket. Each season ticket holder may purchase up to four tickets for the August 26 match.
The club will remind all 26,000 season ticket holders that reselling tickets is strictly prohibited. Holders found selling their tickets risk severe consequences, including potential criminal liability if a buyer commits an offense or misbehaves inside Groupama Stadium. Additionally, the club reserves the right to terminate season tickets without refund in cases of violation.
After the initial sale period, ticket availability will open to regular supporters based on club records, beginning next Monday. This phased approach ensures that spectators who recently purchased tickets for previous matches, such as the Champions League return leg against Sparta Prague, will not have access to the playoff.
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