The game in Paris between the Steelers and the Saints will continue as scheduled on Sunday. The NFL, however, said it would increase security in light of the civil unrest in the French capital.
NFL executive Peter O’Reilly said Tuesday that the league is coordinating with the US State Department and Paris and national authorities overseas.
“There is nothing more important from our perspective than the safety of the teams, the safety of the fans — everybody involved in this game,” O’Reilly said at the fall league meetings, via the Associated Press. “Obviously we’re very vigilant in everything we do, in all our planning on an hour-by-hour basis, working closely with both teams.”
Riots erupted across France on Saturday as demonstrators protested rising living costs and falling public services. It was the country’s worst civil unrest in years, with violence and looting in major cities as rioters clashed with police.
The NFL did not consider moving the game, which is being played at the Stade de France outside Paris to Saint-Denis. This marks the first NFL game in France.
“We feel confident that we would not have any impact on the broader resources needed,” O’Reilly said. “That’s always top of mind for us, and we feel confident that we wouldn’t drain resources in a negative way around this game.”
The Saints flew to Paris after their win over the Giants on Sunday. The Steelers will travel later this week.
