Following an emergency meeting at Lyon Prefecture, the National Directorate for the Prevention of Hooliganism classified the August 26 return leg between Lyon and Fenerbahçe at Groupama Stadium as a level 4 high-risk match on a scale of 5.

2,220 Turkish supporters expected for high-stakes playoff

A total of 2,220 Turkish supporters are expected at the Groupama Stadium for the return leg. This includes 1,000 traveling directly from Turkey and another 1,000 from within the European Union. Additionally, 200 identified supporters and 20 VIP guests will be accommodated in the designated away section, which has a capacity of 2,816. Among these, 500 to 700 Turkish fans are flagged as high-risk profiles.

Stricter ticketing measures to prevent unauthorized sales

No tickets will be sold at the stadium or at the designated meeting point in Eurexpo, Chassieu, near the stadium. Turkish supporters will exchange pre-issued vouchers provided by Fenerbahçe for access tickets at the meeting point. The organized gathering of Turkish fans is scheduled for 6:00 PM on match day, followed by transportation to Groupama Stadium via 15 to 20 buses or shuttles.

To prevent unauthorized ticket sales, Olympique Lyonnais has intensified communications about the ban on reselling tickets. The club has already identified three groups that violated this rule. A formal notice will be sent to these groups, notifying them of their season ticket suspensions without refunds. OL reserves the right to impose further stadium bans if necessary.

Lessons from 2017 guide precautionary measures

Based on the outcome of the first leg on August 18, the Lyon Prefect may issue decrees restricting the presence of Turkish supporters or those identified as such in the city center on August 26. This measure aims to prevent potential clashes with Lyon ultras, drawing lessons from the violent incidents that marred the 2017 Beşiktaş match in Décines-Charpieu during the Europa League quarter-finals.

Authorities plan to deploy three additional CRS units alongside the usual stadium security forces. The lessons from the chaotic scenes in the North Stand during the 2017 match have been closely examined. Currently, 50,000 spectators are expected to attend this pivotal match, which will determine qualification for the Champions League group stage.