[Saba Sports News] According to French media, France will deploy 22,000 police officers and gendarmes to ensure security on the night of this season’s UEFA Champions League final. Laurent Nuñez, a senior official at France’s Ministry of the Interior, stated in an interview this Wednesday that the final between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal will take place in Budapest this Saturday. France has mobilized a large-scale security force of 22,000 police and gendarmes in total, among whom 8,000 will be stationed in Paris and its surrounding areas. Last year’s Champions League final was held in Munich, where Paris Saint-Germain beat Inter Milan 5-0 to lift the trophy. Back then, 5,400 police officers and gendarmes were put on duty across Paris. After the victory, riots broke out along the Champs-Élysées and around the Parc des Princes. This year, the Parc des Princes will again serve as the official viewing venue for the final live broadcast in Paris, so potential risks remain a major concern.
The editor believes that if Paris Saint-Germain claim the title, large crowds will definitely flood the streets. The central section of the Champs-Élysées will be turned into a pedestrian zone, with police deployed to prevent unrest. It seems the Paris authorities are unconcerned and fully prepared for all eventualities.