Paris Prepares for "Hundreds of Thousands" of Fans Ahead of Champions League Final

Paris is bracing for a massive influx of football fans as hundreds of thousands are expected to gather in the city for the Champions League final. The match, pitting Paris Saint-Germain against Arsenal, will be held in Budapest, but the capital is anticipating significant public gatherings.

Authorities have mobilized an extensive security force, with 22,000 police and gendarmes deployed across France. Of these, 8,000 officers will be stationed in Paris and its surrounding areas to manage the expected crowds and ensure public safety. This deployment is part of a meticulously planned security operation.

The security measures are heightened compared to previous years. Last year's final, which saw Paris Saint-Germain triumph, resulted in some instances of public disorder despite a large police presence. This year's operation aims to prevent similar incidents.

To manage the flow of people and ensure security, several metro stations in Paris will implement early closures starting Saturday afternoon. These closures are necessary due to the convergence of major sporting and cultural events in the capital, including the Champions League final, a rugby match, ongoing Roland-Garros tennis tournament, and several concerts.