Paris police have decided to impose a strict ban on gatherings of fans of the Moroccan and Senegalese national teams in the vicinity of the Champs-Élysées and surrounding areas, coinciding with the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, scheduled for Sunday evening.
The 35th edition of the continental showpiece will come to an end on Sunday, January 18, 2026, with Morocco set to battle it out with Senegal for the ultimate title.
The high-profile finale between the Atlas Lions and the Taranga Lions has been scheduled to take place at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Morocco are chasing their second AFCON title just as Senegal, who last won the trophy in 2021 in Cameroon.
In an official statement, the police directorate announced a ban on any gatherings or celebrations related to the final in an area extending from the Louvre Museum to the Porte Maillol gate, as part of proactive measures to limit any potential disturbances.
The text of the decision stated that “gatherings of people who identify themselves as fans of the teams participating in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, or who act on this basis, are prohibited within this perimeter,” noting that the area is a sensitive tourist site with a high population density.
The authorities justified this measure by citing a “real risk” of disturbances before or after the tournament matches, particularly in the final rounds, and stressed that fireworks and flammable materials would also be prohibited.
These measures are scheduled to take effect on Sunday at 6 pm and will continue until Monday at 2 am.
The police confirmed that their decisions came in light of previous experiences during which celebrations of the African Cup of Nations witnessed riots, vandalism of public property, and breaches of security, which led to security interventions and arrests.
The final match between Morocco and Senegal is expected to be played amid widespread public interest, while French authorities seek to ensure the event passes without any tensions within the capital.
