NFL says Saints-Steelers Paris game remains scheduled amid French protests
The league says it is coordinating with local authorities before the 25 October game at Stade de France, following violent protests across France.
The NFL says the New Orleans Saints’ game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Stade de France in Paris remains scheduled for Sunday, 25 October, despite violent protests across France on 17 October. The league’s position was reported by Front Office Sports on 18 October, while the BBC reported clashes in Paris and elsewhere during Saturday’s demonstrations.
The league told Front Office Sports it was working closely with local authorities and partners on operational and security matters and giving both clubs regular updates. ‘There’s been no disruption or impact at league sites,’ the NFL said in a written statement to the outlet. That account describes conditions at league sites; it does not establish the security situation across Paris or guarantee conditions on game day.
What happened during the French protests
The BBC reported that demonstrations over hardship in schools and the cost of living were followed by violence across France on Saturday, 17 October. It reported at least 1,200 arrests, alongside a French government estimate that 550,000 people took to the streets. The government described an escalation in violence.
In Paris, clashes with riot police continued into the evening, the BBC reported. Police used tear gas and water cannon, while fires were lit in streets and vehicles were torched, including around Place de la République. The BBC also reported looting and damage to businesses and city halls in several cities. In Limoges, a fire at the town hall partly collapsed its roof.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said 150 police officers were injured during the unrest, according to the BBC. Jean-Luc Mélenchon, who took part in demonstrations, accused police of ‘unleashing’ on protesters while condemning looting and arson. Lecornu called his comments ‘dangerous and cynical.’ Their exchange reflects the wider political dispute surrounding the protests; neither statement assesses arrangements for the NFL game.
Saints and Steelers scheduled at Stade de France
The NFL’s Paris game listing identifies the Saints-Steelers matchup as its first regular-season game in France. Front Office Sports reported that kickoff is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Eastern time on 25 October. For the two clubs and supporters planning around the fixture, the league’s latest statement leaves the published schedule in place while its coordination with local authorities continues.
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Sources and context
- NFL Says Paris Game Still on as French Protests EscalateFront Office Sports
- France protests: Violent clashes, looting and buildings ablaze as over 1,200 arrestedBBC
- 2026 Paris Game: American Football in FranceNFL
AI-assisted article checked against the listed sources. NewsJaws did not conduct interviews or attend the reported events.