French authorities have announced a large-scale security plan involving the deployment of approximately 22,000 police officers and gendarmes across the country to secure major sporting events, particularly crucial football matches such as the Champions League final. This stringent measure is part of a new strategy aimed at preventing a repeat of the organizational errors and chaos that marred previous sporting events, and at reaffirming France's ability to host global events with the highest security standards.
General context: Lessons from the chaos of the 2022 final
These heightened security measures cannot be separated from their recent historical context, specifically the chaos that marred the 2022 UEFA Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid at the Stade de France in Paris. That event was marred by a catastrophic organizational failure, with thousands of fans struggling to enter the stadium due to traffic congestion, slow security checks, and widespread counterfeit tickets. These problems led to deplorable scenes of stampedes and the use of tear gas by police against crowds, including families, causing a delay to the start of the match and triggering a wave of international criticism that damaged France's reputation as an organizer of major events.
The importance of the event and its expected impact
These security preparations are of paramount importance on several levels. Domestically, the French government aims to reassure its citizens and demonstrate the state's ability to maintain order and protect public and private property, especially after previous football-related celebrations were marred by riots and vandalism in major cities like Paris. Internationally, successfully hosting any major sporting event is a true test of France's organizational and security capabilities, crucial for restoring confidence ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Any further failure would not only damage the country's reputation but could also have negative economic and tourism repercussions.
Details of the security plan
According to the Interior Ministry, a significant portion of the security force, estimated at around 8,000 personnel, will be deployed to Paris alone, given its central role in any celebrations or mass gatherings. The plan will focus on securing key areas such as the Champs-Élysées, the areas surrounding stadiums, and fan zones where matches are shown on giant screens. The measures also include increased surveillance on public transport and intensified patrols to prevent any potential violence or rioting, based on lessons learned from previous incidents that saw the arrest of hundreds of rioters.
