Emmanuel Macron announced on Wednesday that a curfew between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m., for at least four weeks, will be put in place on Saturday in Ile-de-France and in eight other metropolitan areas in order to fight against the coronavirus epidemic. In addition to Paris, the metropolises of Lille, Grenoble, Lyon, Aix-Marseille, Montpellier, Rouen, Toulouse and Saint-Etienne are affected by this measure which could extend until December 1, if Parliament gives its consent.
As explained by RMC Sport, the professional sporting events planned in the areas concerned may still take place at the scheduled times, and therefore in the evening. However, they will have to be held behind closed doors, such as Ligue 1 matches for example.
Possible adaptation?
Asked by AFP on whether competitions could be brought forward before 9 p.m. in order to receive a minimum number of spectators, the sports ministry explained that leagues and clubs could “adapt and modify” their organization.
From the next day of Ligue 1, OM-Bordeaux and Lille-Lens, respectively scheduled for Saturday October 17 (9 p.m.) and Sunday October 18 (9 p.m.), will be affected. Other Ligue 1 posters affected by this month-long curfew include, for example: PSG-Dijon (Saturday October 24 at 9 p.m.), OL-Monaco (Sunday October 25 at 9 p.m.), OM-Lens (on Friday October 30 at 9 p.m.), Lille-OL (Sunday November 1 at 9 p.m.), PSG-Rennes (Saturday November 7 at 9 p.m.) or the OL-Saint-Etienne derby (Sunday November 8 at 9 p.m.).
PSG and OM concerned in the Champions League
Regarding the Champions League (to be continued on RMC Sport), PSG will therefore have to play behind closed doors against Manchester United for the first day of the group stage, Tuesday, October 20 (9 p.m.). The Velodrome will also ring hollow for OM-Manchester City on Tuesday, October 27 (9 p.m.). The Blues of Didier Deschamps must host Finland, in a friendly, Wednesday November 11 (9:10 p.m.) at the Stade de France. Several Top 14 matches will also have to adapt to this new measure, such as Stade Français-Racing 92 (Sunday October 25 at 9:05 p.m.) and Stade Français-Toulouse (Sunday November 1 at 9:05 p.m.).
The XV of France will be concerned for the reception at the Stade de France of Wales on Saturday 24 October (9 p.m.) and of Ireland on Saturday 31 October (9 p.m.). In tennis, therefore, there will be no spectators for the night sessions of the Rolex Paris Masters, which will be held at the Accor Arena (Bercy) from October 31 to November 8.