NFL Game in Paris Proceeds Amid French Unrest

The National Football League's international game between the New Orleans Saints and the Pittsburgh Steelers in Paris is scheduled to proceed as planned, a league spokesman confirmed. This comes as Paris Saint-Germain, France's most successful soccer team, postponed its Sunday match in the capital under orders from the Paris Police Prefecture.

The soccer match between Paris Saint-Germain and Olympique Lyonnais was rescheduled to Monday, October 26, at the Parc des Princes. Police officials requested the postponement because security and police resources are strained due to mass protests, ongoing civil unrest, and the presence of the NFL's first regular-season game in France.

Despite these circumstances, the NFL has indicated no change to its game's schedule, which is set to kick off Sunday morning in the United States. The league's commitment to the game was reinforced by a luncheon meeting on Friday between NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Saints owner Gayle Benson, Steelers owner Art Rooney II, and French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace in Paris. Discussions at the two-hour meeting reportedly included game security, the readiness of the Stade de France, and the growth of flag football in France.

Recent days have seen widespread protests and clashes across France, with a significant demonstration planned for Saturday. While police had initially banned the demonstration, an administrative court overturned the ban after organizers challenged it. The Paris prefecture had cited the risk of street violence, following incidents where masked individuals clashed with officers, looted shops, and set cars ablaze.

French President Macron has stated that measures are in place to ban protests deemed illegitimate and to protect city centers, businesses, and public buildings. He attributed recent violence to radical far-left groups and looters. Macron has advised against demonstrations in the coming days, suggesting that prefects will propose alternative routes for trade unions wishing to protest.

Earlier, the Steelers had canceled a fan event in Paris due to fears of unrest, while the NFL proceeded with its own events and the game itself. The NFL has assured stakeholders that security plans are in place and that the game will proceed as scheduled.