The NFL has closed its NFL House fan zone in Paris amid widespread protests, as the league prepares to stage its first regular-season game in France despite Donald Trump questioning whether the fixture should go ahead.
The league informed fans of the closure through its OnePass app, citing “potential accessibility issues” as authorities prepared for demonstrations and increased security across the French capital.
The decision comes after Trump suggested the NFL could have postponed or relocated the Pittsburgh Steelers’ meeting with the New Orleans Saints, raising further questions about the timing of the historic fixture.
NFL presses ahead with Paris game despite protests and Donald Trump’s concerns
The NFL House closure follows the cancellation of a pop-up shop in central Paris, while the Saints also postponed their planned fan event. A separate gathering for Steelers supporters had already been cancelled because of security concerns.
Despite the disruption, the NFL has maintained its plans to stage Sunday’s game at Stade de France, north of Paris.
Trump expressed concerns about the situation when speaking to reporters, saying: “I would have said the NFL could have probably postponed that match, if you want to know the truth. Because France is really in trouble.”
The comments came as French authorities prepared for further demonstrations following recent unrest.
The US State Department also issued a security alert advising Americans attending the game to exercise caution and remain aware of their surroundings.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has defended the preparations, explaining that the league had worked with US and French authorities to assess the situation.
“Street protests are not unusual in France,” Goodell said.
Meanwhile, Paris police requested the postponement of Paris Saint-Germain’s fixture against Lyon because of concerns about stretched security resources. That match has been moved, but the NFL has continued with its original plans.
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has also backed the decision to proceed, saying the league is aware of the situation.
“If it was unsafe, then I’m sure we wouldn’t be here,” Rodgers said.
The NFL’s decision represents an important moment for its international ambitions, with the Paris fixture intended to expand the sport’s presence in France.
However, with protests continuing and security concerns remaining central to preparations, the league will be hoping the focus can return to the football when the Steelers and Saints meet at Stade de France.
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