NFL refuses to back down from first-ever France game despite calls for game to be moved amid safety fears
The NFL is refusing to back down despite safety fears surrounding its upcoming Paris game.
The league is heading to France for a regular season game for the first time ever in less than two weeks as the New Orleans Saints host the Pittsburgh Steelers at the Stade de France on October 25.
However, the French capital is facing ongoing social unrest with riot police clashing with protesters and shocking footage continuing to show chaotic scenes.
It has led some to suggest the league should reconsider the timing of its visit – the latest of an expanded slate of International Games this season.
But the NFL said in a statement to ESPN: ‘We’re excited for the first-ever regular season game in Paris, and preparations continue as scheduled for NFL events and the game at Stade de France on October 25.
‘As we do for every NFL game, including our international games, we work closely with local authorities and partners on all operational and security matters. We look forward to welcoming fans to Paris later this month.’
The NFL is due to host its first game in Paris, France at the Stade de France on October 25
France has been hit by unrest with thousands of arrests including clashes with police in Paris
France has seen thousands of arrests, hundreds of injuries, and schools set on fire as the new school year descended into nationwide student protests that are influencing France’s presidential election campaign and drawing international attention.
It’s the latest challenge to Emmanuel Macron’s presidency in a country beset by crises, both foreign and domestic.
The majority of protesters have been peaceful, but violence on the fringes is having an impact, with a daily menu of fireworks thrown at police and volleys of tear gas fired at high school pupils.
The NFL has moved an international game before, with the Kansas City Chiefs-Los Angeles Rams game in Mexico City in 2018 moved to LA after the field was unsuitable for play.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell hailed the upcoming trip to Paris, which has also hosted NBA games in recent years, as a major step for the league’s international growth plans when the game was announced.
‘Bringing a regular season game to Paris in 2026 marks an exciting next step in the continued expansion of the league’s global footprint,’ said Goodell.
‘Paris is one of the world’s greatest sporting and cultural cities with tremendous success in hosting global events that unite fans on the biggest stages.
‘Playing our first‑ever regular season game at the impressive Stade de France, together with the New Orleans Saints, underlines our continued global growth ambitions and we look forward to bringing the NFL to our passionate fans in France.’
Riot police have clashed with protestors across the city over the last month in violent scenes
The New Orleans Saints are hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Paris game
Saints owner Gayle Benson was also happy to be involved and give up a home game in New Orleans to do so.
‘We are excited to be selected to play in the first regular season game to be held in France,’ said Benson. ‘This moment is special not only because of the strong cultural connection between Louisiana and France, but also because we will compete before a growing Saints fan base in Paris.
‘I am grateful to the NFL, Commissioner Roger Goodell and the French Government, especially Laurent Bili, Ambassador of France to the United States, Samuel Ducroquet, Ambassador of France to Sport, for helping make this historic event possible.’
