French Prime Minister Michel Barnier and former President Nicolas Sarkozy are set to attend the France-Israel football match in Paris on Thursday, despite the ongoing tensions related to Israel’s actions in Palestine and Lebanon. The match, scheduled for the UEFA Nations League at Stade de France in Saint-Denis, has faced significant criticism, with advocacy groups calling for its cancellation.
Security concerns are high, with Paris police chief Laurent Nunez warning of a “high risk” event, and 4,000 officers will be deployed for crowd control. However, ticket sales remain low, with only 20,000 of the stadium’s 80,000 seats sold.
The French Football Federation (FFF) acknowledged the controversy but stated that the decision to hold the match was made by UEFA, not the FFF. Despite protests, the French government has opposed relocating the match, citing concerns over yielding to violence or antisemitism. To ensure safety, riot police will be stationed throughout Paris and Saint-Denis, and extra precautions will be taken at the stadium, including empty rows near the pitch to prevent disruptions.
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