The high-profile UEFA Champions League match between Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona is set to proceed as planned on Tuesday. Despite ongoing civil unrest across France, the government has confirmed there are no intentions to cancel or postpone the fixture, which is slated for a 19:00 GMT kickoff at the Parc des Princes. PSG, the reigning European and French champions, will host the Spanish visitors at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday night.
Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu emphasized his administration’s commitment to restoring order following a weekend of intense street violence.
Addressing the media after a crisis meeting on Monday, Lecornu noted that he has authorized regional authorities to implement localized and partial curfews where necessary to safeguard commercial interests. According to lecornu, On Monday he had asked regional authorities to impose “partial” and “localised” curfews in some cities to protect businesses after weekend demonstrations spilled over into some of the worst street violence in recent years. Although he ruled out imposing a full curfew across Paris, he did not say which cities would impose partial curfews nor what form they would take. “These curfews must be local and partial.
He explicitly stated that while a state of emergency remains a potential, though serious, measure that could be triggered if required, localized curfews are currently viewed as the more appropriate response to the ongoing crisis. “A state of emergency is still a very serious measure, including in terms of its implementation. However, the issue of curfews, and the implementation of those curfews, seems better suited to the situation we may be facing.”, as things stand.
He clarified that a blanket curfew for Paris is not under consideration.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez joined the Prime Minister during the briefing to reassure the public and football officials that the match faces no cancellation threats. Barcelona arrived in the French capital on Monday, and neither club has suggested that the surrounding volatility will disrupt the group-stage encounter.
The protests have caused significant disruption to several French football institutions. Both Marseille and Lille reported that their official club stores were targeted during the weekend’s riots. Marseille confirmed that their flagship location on La Canebiere sustained substantial damage and has been shuttered temporarily. Similarly, Lille described widespread looting and extensive wreckage at their city centre retail outlet, which will remain closed indefinitely. According to the Ligue 1 clubs, Their shops were vandalised during the protests.
In a statement regarding the incident, Lille expressed gratitude for the support received from staff and members of the public who intervened to provide comfort and practical assistance. As the city prepares for Tuesday’s match, government officials continue to balance the restoration of public order with the maintenance of major sporting events. Our store employees, but also the many passersby, whether supporters or not, who spontaneously stepped forward to offer their help, practical assistance and comfort”, lille thanked “everyone who has offered their support over the past few hours — first and foremost.
