Rabat – French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez has confirmed that Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League match against Barcelona will proceed as scheduled on Tuesday, despite widespread unrest and violence across France.
The match, scheduled for 8 p.m. Moroccan time (19:00 GMT) at the Parc des Princes in Paris, is part of the third round of the UEFA Champions League league phase.
Speaking to reporters on Monday following a crisis meeting with French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, Nuñez dismissed the possibility of postponing the encounter, stressing that European football fixtures in France would not be affected by the recent disturbances.
“We discussed the possibility of postponing some events, but that is not being considered for tomorrow’s PSG match against Barcelona,” Nuñez said.
He added that the same position applied to other European fixtures scheduled in France, including potential matches in Lille.
“The matches are not in question,” the minister confirmed.
Security concerns following nationwide unrest
Nuñez’s remarks come after demonstrations across France on Saturday, were followed by violent clashes, looting and damage to public property in several cities, including Paris.
The unrest prompted French authorities to mobilize security forces and consider additional measures to prevent further violence.
Prime Minister Lecornu announced on Monday that he had instructed local authorities to introduce partial and localized curfews in affected areas, while ruling out a blanket curfew across Paris.
The French government has also faced criticism over its handling of the demonstrations, with concerns raised about the preparedness of security forces during the weekend disturbances.
Despite the heightened security measures, authorities have maintained that the situation does not require the cancellation or postponement of scheduled European football matches.
Luis Enrique addresses the situation
PSG head coach Luis Enrique also addressed the unrest during Monday’s pre-match press conference, expressing hope that the Champions League encounter would take place under normal conditions.
The Spanish coach condemned the violence but insisted that his responsibility was to prepare his players for the match rather than comment extensively on the political and social situation in France.
He said the team remained focused on facing Barcelona and that he was not personally concerned about the match going ahead.
The encounter between PSG and Barcelona remains one of the major fixtures of the third Champions League matchday, with both teams preparing to continue their European campaigns amid the heightened security presence in the French capital.
