French authorities are preparing today with exceptional security measures in anticipation of the highly awaited Morocco vs. France match in the World Cup quarterfinals, following intelligence reports warning of the potential for security disturbances in the capital Paris and other major cities. These preparations included comprehensive plans to secure streets and public facilities, drawing lessons from past events that accompanied major football celebrations.
Press reports revealed that the French Ministry of the Interior deployed about 20,000 security personnel across the country to secure this important sporting event. This intense security deployment focuses on Paris and other cities, with reinforced police presence in squares and streets expected to witness large crowds. This precautionary step follows disturbances in several European cities after Morocco qualified for the quarterfinals, prompting authorities to emphasize the need for immediate and firm intervention against any acts of violence or vandalism that could threaten public order and property safety.
On its part, press reports indicated that security measures also include the closure of many metro stations in the French capital today, starting from 9 PM, along with the suspension of some lines around the Champs-Élysées avenue. This restriction of public transport aims to facilitate police work in securing the area and preventing any uncontrolled gatherings. Decisions were also issued to prohibit transporting and possessing fireworks and fuel containers on specific dates to deter any attempts to destabilize security.
These precautionary measures are based on the previous experience of the 2022 World Cup semifinal between France and Morocco, which saw disturbances on the Champs-Élysées, accompanied by arrests and intensive security interventions. Authorities consider these measures “proportionate and necessary” to ensure the safety of citizens and property, emphasizing that legally compliant celebratory gatherings will be treated normally, while any chaos or vandalism will face firm security intervention. All this aims to secure the Morocco vs. France match and the accompanying celebrations.
