Following a meeting in Lyon’s prefecture this Thursday afternoon, the National Directorate for Combating Hooliganism classified the August 26 clash at Groupama Stadium as a high-risk match, rated at level 4 out of 5.

A total of 2,220 Turkish fans are expected (fewer than 200 Lyon supporters will travel to Istanbul on Tuesday). Of these, 1,000 will arrive from Turkey and another 1,000 from the European Union. An additional 200 identified supporters and 20 VIP guests will be accommodated in the designated visiting section, which has a capacity of 2,816. Among these, 500 to 700 Turkish fans are flagged as high-risk profiles.

Stricter ticketing rules enforced

No tickets will be sold at the stadium or at the designated meeting point in Eurexpo, Chassieu—near the stadium—on match day. Instead, Fenerbahçe will manage all ticket distribution through dedicated channels. Supporters must present counter-marks provided by Fenerbahçe to exchange for stadium access. The organized gathering of Turkish fans is scheduled for 6 PM at Eurexpo, from where they will be transported to Groupama Stadium via 15 to 20 buses or shuttles.

OL cracks down on ticket resale violations

To prevent unauthorized ticket purchases by Turkish fans, Olympique Lyonnais, which opened its ticketing exclusively to season ticket holders this Thursday (over 26,000), is intensifying its crackdown on resale violations. The club has already identified three groups that breached this rule and will notify them via mail of immediate season ticket suspensions without refund. Additional stadium bans may also be imposed.

Lessons from past clashes guide preparations

Depending on the outcome of the first leg on August 18, Lyon’s prefect may issue decrees banning Turkish supporters or those identified as such from central Lyon on August 26. This measure aims to prevent potential clashes with Lyon’s ultras, drawing lessons from past incidents such as the violent disturbances during the Beşiktaş match in Décines-Charpieu on April 13, 2017, which marred a Europa League quarterfinal. Authorities plan to deploy three additional CRS (Republican Security Companies) units alongside regular stadium forces. With 50,000 fans expected for this decisive match to secure a place in the Champions League group stage, safety remains the top priority.