Paris Saint-Germain’s Ligue 1 match against Olympique Lyonnais could be postponed after police raised security concerns amid unrest across France, French media reported on Wednesday.
The Paris police prefecture has asked the French Professional Football League (LFP) to reschedule the match, according to reports. PSG are due to host Lyon in Paris on Sunday.
Sports daily L’Equipe reported that officials could move the game to Monday. However, the authorities have yet to announce a final decision.
The possible postponement comes as France prepares for fresh protests on Saturday. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said on Tuesday that officials would launch a “massive” security operation, with troops reinforcing the police.
The move follows riots and looting that hit Paris and other French cities on October 17. The violence ranks among the worst unrest France has experienced in years.
The PSG-Lyon match is one of several major sporting events scheduled in the Paris area this weekend. These events could place extra pressure on security forces.
The Pittsburgh Steelers will face the New Orleans Saints in an NFL regular-season game at the Stade de France on Sunday. The fixture is also expected to require a significant police deployment.
Meanwhile, the LFP confirmed on Wednesday that Toulouse’s Ligue 1 match against Troyes would move from Saturday to Sunday. Local authorities requested the change amid the unrest.
The violence followed weeks of largely peaceful student protests and wider demonstrations over the rising cost of living and declining public services.
French authorities also imposed curfews in parts of several cities on Monday as they responded to the unrest.
The possible change to the PSG-Lyon fixture highlights the security challenges facing French authorities as they prepare for a busy weekend of sporting events and protests.
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