The NFL is scheduled to play its first-ever regular season game in France next Sunday, but the country’s current political climate is making things difficult.
Massive ongoing protests throughout the country, particularly in Paris, have resulted in thousands of arrests, hundreds of injured police officers and at least one death, in addition to widespread structural damage. With the New Orleans Saints and Pittsburgh Steelers set to play at the Stade de France in the capitol city one week from today, the NFL has announced its plan of action.
The game will go on
Earlier today, the league revealed it is aiming to play the game as scheduled, with kickoff scheduled for 9:30 a.m. ET (3:30 p.m. in Paris) on Oct. 25.
“Preparations continue as scheduled for NFL events and the game at Stade de France next Sunday,” the NFL said. “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.”
Saints ‘concur’ with decision
The Saints are currently facing the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. New Orleans is poised to fly to France tonight, and is keeping its plans intact.
“We concur with the NFL’s statement and are planning to play the game,” said Saints executive Greg Bensel, via ESPN’s Adam Schefter. “In addition to working closely with the NFL, we have also maintained daily security updates with our security partners in France. 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.”
The Steelers have not issued any official comment, but are still planning to arrive in the “City of Light” on Friday morning.
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