Lyon’s Champions League playoff against Fenerbahçe flagged as high-risk event
The return leg of the Champions League playoff between Lyon and Fenerbahçe on August 26 has been classified as a level 4 risk match. Authorities anticipate 2,220 Turkish supporters, with no tickets available at Groupama Stadium on match day.
Following an emergency meeting at Lyon’s prefecture, the National Hooliganism Unit classified the August 26 Champions League playoff rematch at Groupama Stadium as a high-risk category 4 event. The decision comes as authorities brace for potential crowd control challenges during the clash.
A total of 2,220 Turkish supporters are expected for the return leg, with 1,000 traveling from Turkey, 1,000 from the European Union, plus 200 identified high-risk individuals and 20 VIPs. These fans will be allocated to a dedicated 2,816-seat enclosure, with 500-700 Turkish supporters flagged as potential troublemakers.
Olympique Lyonnais tightens ticket resale controls
No tickets will be sold at Groupama Stadium or the Eurexpo meeting point in Chassieu on match day. Turkish supporters must exchange pre-issued Fenerbahçe vouchers for stadium entry at the designated gathering point. Organized fan transport will depart from Eurexpo at 6 PM on match evening, with 15-20 buses or shuttles ferrying supporters to the stadium.
To prevent unauthorized ticket purchases, Olympique Lyonnais opened its ticketing exclusively to season ticket holders on Thursday. The club has already identified three groups violating resale bans and will notify them of immediate membership suspensions without refund. Additional stadium bans may also be imposed.
Lessons from 2017 Beşiktaş clash guide preparations
Depending on the August 18 first-leg outcome, Lyon’s prefect may ban Turkish or Turkish-identified supporters from central Lyon on August 26 to prevent potential clashes with local ultras. The decision reflects hard-learned lessons from the violent disturbances during Beşiktaş’s April 13, 2017 visit to Décines-Charpieu, which marred a Europa League quarter-final.
Authorities plan to deploy three additional CRS units alongside regular stadium security forces. With 50,000 spectators expected for this crucial Champions League playoff decider, crowd management and public order remain top priorities.