Paris is bracing for a tense 48 hours as the FIFA Club World Cup final between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Chelsea coincides with Bastille Day celebrations.
To forestall possible unrest, the French government is deploying 11,500 police officers across the capital and surrounding areas.
Though the final is taking place in the United States, large crowds of PSG supporters are expected to gather in Paris, echoing scenes from May 31 when the club won the Champions League. That night saw chaotic outbreaks, including 200 arrests, 20 injured police officers, smashed shop windows, and looting, especially on the Champs-Elysees.
In response, Paris police chief Laurent Nunez has ordered a strong show of force.
“We will act with great firmness,” he stated, adding that any attempts to gather on the Champs-Elysees would be broken up.
He assured the public, “For now we are not aware of any risks, but we nevertheless always prepare for public disturbances.”
To minimize the risk of mass gatherings, authorities have banned fan zones and public screenings from Sunday evening into early Monday morning.
On Monday, the Champs-Elysees will host the traditional July 14 military parade, while the Eiffel Tower area will welcome a classical concert and a 20-minute fireworks display, with 60,000 people expected.
Security will be tight, with checkpoints and bag inspections planned for all major events.
