The NFL is moving forward with the Week 7 game between the New Orleans Saints and Pittsburgh Steelers in Paris, France next weekend.
The game is on track to be played, as protests have been taking place in the French city. Thousands have been arrested as civil unrest increases, with many being upset about cost of living and conditions inside schools.
The NFL has said on Sunday that the league is moving forward with the game.
“Preparations continue as scheduled for NFL events and the game at Stade de France next Sunday,” an NFL spokesperson said via email on Sunday morning.
“We continue to work closely with local authorities and partners on all operational and security matters. We are also providing the two clubs with regular updates. . . . There’s been no disruption or impact at league sites.”
The Saints remain confident the game will go on as scheduled, too.
“We concur with the NFL’s statement and are planning to play the game. In addition to working closely with the NFL, we have also maintained daily security updates with our security partners in France,” Saints executive Greg Bensel said.
“Members of our football operations staff and internal security team have been on the ground in France for the past few days and there has been no disruption or impact at any of our team sites.”
© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Understandably, fans traveling to Paris, France for the game are expressing their concerns and worries on social media.
“Nationwide protests over rising living costs, education and deteriorating public services drew roughly 550,000 people today, including 110,000 in Paris. The demonstrations turned violent, with fires, looting and tear gas,” NFL reporter Ari Meirov shared on X.
Safety map for Paris, France
NFL fans traveling to Paris, France for the game are being reminded where the game is and where the protests have taken place.
“If (NFL) fans are concerned about ongoing unrest in Paris ahead of game next week, know that protests have largely been contained to triangle below and game is played in circle several miles apart. Many popular tourist attractions have been unaffected by protests, per reports,” the map reads.
The game is currently set to be played at 9:30 a.m. E.T. next Sunday. The league is expected to have updates on the conditions as the week continues.
