NFL watching the violence in France, decision on first match near Paris hangs

The United States' National Football League — the NFL — is watching the street violence that has spread across France. Next Sunday, the league's first match in the country is scheduled to be held at the Stade de France in the Saint-Denis area, just north of Paris, where the New Orleans Saints will play as the 'home' team against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

According to the league's current position, there is still no plan to move the match. However, a league source, unwilling to be named, said that if the course of events creates the need, the matter of playing at a different venue could be considered.

Violence spread across France on Saturday. According to reports, after peaceful marches of 500,000 to 800,000 people, masked groups clashed with police, carried out looting at business establishments and set fire to private property and government buildings. Limoges's historic city hall was also damaged by fire.

In Sunday's reports, the number of arrests was said to have reached from 1,000 to 1,800, of whom 855 were arrested in the Paris region alone. This rise in numbers shows the extent of the situation.

This violence in France has also caught the attention of various governments of the world, including the United States. President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social on Sunday morning saying 'France is burning' and commented that people with hatred in their hearts have broken a once-great country.

This situation could affect the NFL directly, because the regular season match is to be held at the Stade de France. It is the league's first match in France, so the event also has historical importance.

Last week the league's position was that the match would be in Paris. In a statement, the league had said it was looking forward to welcoming fans in Paris towards the end of this month.

However, after the violence spread, the report mentioned that no reply was received to an e-mail sent seeking clarification from the NFL's chief spokesperson. Amid the formal silence, the source's statement has kept the possibility of a venue change open.

The unnamed league source said on Sunday that the league is working with local authorities and partners on all kinds of operational and security matters, and that if the course of events creates the need, the matter of a venue change could be considered.

The Saints and the Steelers had already shown excitement about playing the league's first match in France. Saints owner and chief executive Gayle Benson had said in the match announcement statement that Louisiana's relationship with France is centuries-old and deep, and this match is another meaningful step in further strengthening that cultural and economic bond.

According to Saints executive vice president and general manager Mickey Loomis, after Sunday's match against the New York Giants, the team will set off for Paris. To shorten the trip, the team will go directly to France from the New York area, and there is a plan to stay the whole week in France to adjust to the time difference.

Bringing the match back from France to New Orleans will not be easy. Another event is booked at the Caesars Superdome on 25 October. On the other hand, the report said no event is scheduled at the Steelers' home ground, Acrisure Stadium, on that day.

All in all, whether the match will be held at the scheduled venue now depends on which direction the situation in France goes in the coming days. The league continues to monitor, and one will have to wait, watching the course of events, for the final decision.