Lyon opposition mayors seek one fan zone per arrondissement as city delays plan until possible final | OneFootball

The City of Lyon has ruled out setting up a World Cup fan zone before any potential final for France, prompting opposition arrondissement mayors to press for nine smaller sites across the city.

According to Le Progres, Lyon fans must watch at home or in bars for Thursday's quarter-final between France and Morocco, with City Hall only leaving open a venue if the Bleus reach the final on Sunday 19 July.

Lyon Ensemble mayors Pierre Oliver in the second, Thomas Rudigoz in the fifth and Samuel Soulier in the sixth have written to mayor Grégory Doucet seeking one location per arrondissement and are awaiting a prompt reply.

They argue multiple neighbourhood fan zones, similar to Paris, would be easier to secure than a single mass gathering and closer to residents. Proposed sites include place Bellecour in the second, parc de la Mairie or stade Alexandre-Morin in the fifth, and the MAC forecourt or place Brosset in the sixth. Any move would be too late for tonight.

A semi-final fan zone on 14 July appears unlikely given security demands around the national holiday, but a final has not been ruled out. Any event would take place in a secure venue with entry checks and security staff, mirroring the Euro 2024 approach with the prefecture.

For now, supporters can find fan zones in the suburbs, including Corbas, Saint-Fons, Oullins and Dardilly.

Source: Le Progres