Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire has decided against setting up a fan zone for the UEFA Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal on May 30, citing heightened security challenges. Instead, the match will be broadcast at Parc des Princes.

The socialist mayor abandoned his plan for a free public viewing area after a Monday meeting with Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez. Earlier, Grégoire had acknowledged police reservations about the initiative, which the prefecture had deemed unfavorable just days prior.

“This isn’t the right moment,” the mayor admitted, emphasizing the strain on law enforcement resources. Multiple high-profile events on May 30—including concerts by Aya Nakamura at Stade de France, Damso at La Défense Arena, and Bouss at Accor Arena—will already require substantial police deployment, according to security sources.

127 arrests in Paris region after Champions League semifinal

The decision leaves the iconic Parc des Princes as the primary location for live match viewing. Grégoire, however, reaffirmed his commitment to hosting future free public celebrations in the capital, despite this setback.

Security operations following PSG’s semifinal victory over Bayern Munich saw 127 people arrested in the Paris metropolitan area. Eleven civilians were injured, including one critically, while 23 officers sustained minor injuries. Last year’s Champions League final celebrations in Paris and surrounding regions resulted in over 500 arrests amid widespread disturbances.

Interior Minister Nuñez had previously criticized Grégoire’s unilateral announcement after the May 6 final qualification. Opposition councillor Eric Schahl, from Rachida Dati and Grégory Canal’s group, accused the mayor of failing to consult local district mayors before making the decision.