PSG postpones match on police orders as Saints, Steelers owners meet Macron

Paris Saint-Germain has postponed its Sunday match against Olympique Lyonnais to Monday, October 26, at 8:30 p.m. at the Parc des Princes, following an order from the Paris Police Prefecture. The club stated it has taken note of the prohibition on organizing the game, citing stretched police and security resources caused by mass protests, ongoing civil unrest, and the concurrent scheduling of France's first NFL game in the region.

The NFL confirmed that the game between the New Orleans Saints and Pittsburgh Steelers remains on track for Sunday at 9:30 a.m. U.S. time. A league spokesman told OutKick and Fox News Digital that the PSG postponement does not impact the NFL event. The league emphasized that its decision to proceed is supported by the fact that top NFL officials and the French government expect the game to go ahead.

French President Emmanuel Macron hosted NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Saints owner Gayle Benson, and Steelers owner Art Rooney II for a two-hour luncheon at the Élysée Palace on Friday. According to a league source, the discussion covered security for the game, the readiness of the Stade de France, and the growth of flag football in France. The meeting between the highest representatives of both teams and the French President underscores the administration's commitment to holding the event despite the local instability.

Civil unrest remains a significant factor in the region's security posture. The Paris prefecture had previously justified protest bans by citing risks of street violence after masked youth clashed with officers, looted shops, and torched cars over the weekend. Macron stated that the strategy for the coming days involves banning protests requested by individuals or groups with no legitimate authority, while proposing alternative routes for trade unions. He attributed last weekend's violence to radical far-left groups and criminals.

However, organizers of a planned protest for Saturday told the Associated Press that an administrative court overturned a police ban after they challenged it. The organizers signed a police document agreeing that the protest would remain stationary due to violence risks. More bans are expected in the coming days as authorities aim to protect city centers, businesses, and public buildings.