Lyon rules out fan zones for Les Bleus on 14 July | OneFootball

Lyon will not stage a fan zone for France’s World Cup semi-final on Tuesday 14 July, instead backing screenings in existing venues. The match coincides with Bastille Day ceremonies and fireworks.

According to Le Progres, City Hall has repeatedly ruled out fan zones during the tournament, with a possible exception if Les Bleus reach the final on Sunday 19 July, which could be held in a secured site with entry checks and security staff.

The plan is to rely on the city’s dense network of cafés, bars and restaurants that already show games, putting local traders at the heart of the occasion. The approach provides many small, citywide locations, supports the local economy and suits security constraints.

While many French cities, including Paris, have set up fan zones, three opposition arrondissement mayors have urged Lyon to provide one site in each arrondissement. They proposed Place Bellecour for the second, parc de la Mairie or stade Alexandre-Morin in the fifth, and the parvis du MAC or place Brosset in the sixth, and are awaiting a response from Green mayor Grégory Doucet.

Businesses that wish to screen matches can benefit from administrative easing to expand terrace capacity and host supporters in better conditions.

Source: Le Progres