The head of this summer's Olympics told Sky News that problems during the 2022 Champions League final were a “fantastic wake-up call” for Paris Olympic organizers, and lessons had been learned.
UEFA's investigation has highlighted major problems with the logistics of crowds around the Stade de France and criticized French authorities for dodging responsibility for the chaos that left Liverpool fans crushed.
The stadium, located on the outskirts of Paris, is the central venue for the tournament the Olympics And the Paralympics, where athletics events and celebrations are held there.
Half a million spectators from Britain are expected to attend the Olympics – the largest foreign source of ticket sales – and have been assured it will be safe less than six months before it kicks off.
“I think we learned a lot from that (the Champions League final) and we want to make sure that this never happens again,” Paris 2024 chief executive Etienne Thoubois told Sky News. “And this is not just for the Olympics and Paralympics, but this is also the case.” . It was a great wake-up call.
“The truth is that the planning was late, as we only finished the competition (three) months ago, and there was a lack of coordination.
He added: “This is not an excuse, but I can say that now with planning with all authorities, everyone knows what they should do.”
The lack of major issues at the Rugby World Cup at the Stade de France last year has reassured games organisers.
“We also know that the Olympics are different,” Thoboa said. He added, “But I can tell you that we have learned a lot from these unfortunate events (in the Champions League final), and I can tell you that this will not happen here during the 2024 Paris Olympics.”
A fan is detained by a police officer and a steward inside the Stade de France (Photo: Reuters).
One of the major security challenges facing the Olympics is holding the opening ceremony in the heart of Paris to show off the landmarks rather than the typical stadium atmosphere.
Athletes will parade on boats on the Seine River, hundreds of thousands of spectators are expected to line the route, and one of the largest security operations in French history will be carried out during the Games.
“This will only work if we can secure and provide services in a safe environment,” Thoboa said. “This is what we work on every day. There has been an unprecedented level of planning.”
But with the war in the Middle East raging on multiple fronts, is it dangerous to commit to such an outdoor celebration?
“We will not take any risks,” Thoboa said. “We have never put anything at risk.”
Liverpool fans at the Stade de France. Photo: Reuters
He pointed out that the Olympic Games are usually held amid ongoing conflicts, and added: “From the beginning you know that you need to secure and provide a safe environment for people to enjoy it and be able to celebrate, and this is no exception.
“So, from the beginning, we looked again at every building, every square meter to make sure we could deliver this wonderful celebration of athletes, sport and culture in a safe and secure way.”
One of the pressing domestic issues for the Olympics and Paralympics is the specter of labor activism.
As Mr Thobois spoke to Sky News during a trip to London, so was Paris Surrounded by farmers Tractor protest to highlight injustices regarding the future of their industry.
There are moves afoot to try to appease unions, with French police working at the Olympics and Paralympics offering bonuses of up to €1,900 (£1,622).
This comes after days of protests and strikes earlier this month to demand better wages and working conditions.
“We have a very good relationship with the unions and I think it is quite clear that the Olympics and Paralympics are not a goal of these federations… In fact, on the contrary, everyone is really proud to welcome the unions,” Thoboa said. “The world and show what France can offer.”
Asked if he still feared being held to ransom by trade unions, Thoboa replied: “I don’t think so, and if you look at the past, we hosted the Rugby World Cup (last year), we hosted big sporting events.” This has not happened in the past and I do not think it will happen this year.”
