The NFL says it is "all systems go" as it prepares to make its historic debut in Paris on Sunday, despite ongoing riots around the French capital. New Orleans Saints will serve as the designated home team when they face the Pittsburgh Steelers in the nation's first regular-season game at Stade de France, live on Sky Sports NFL from 1pm.
Civil unrest broke out across Paris over the weekend, as peaceful protests were overshadowed by masked activists and vandals turning to violence and looting. Brett Gosper, the NFL's head of Europe and Asia-Pacific, said the league is prioritising the safety of fans and the two travelling teams, but envisions no disruption to the game. "It hasn't impacted it, but obviously we're keeping a good eye on that and we're in very constant daily contact with the French authorities on it," Gosper told Sky Sports.
Saints tight end Juwan Johnson said this week that some family members were undecided about making the trip to Paris, while Steelers safety Jaquan Brisker described the scenes in France as "crazy". Gosper added that safety remains the high priority: "And for the moment, it's indicating that things are good for us to go into this game in the right way."
New Orleans' connection to France dates back to 1718, when the city was founded by the French as La Nouvelle-Orléans. The city preserved its French heritage through 40 years of Spanish rule and still celebrates Bastille Day. Gosper said the connection is well understood by French fans, and that as the only team operating in the NFL's global market program, the Saints can turn casual fans into loyal club supporters.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing