As the Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan approaches, a new controversy has erupted, once again putting Inter striker Marcus Thuram at the center of attention. In an unprecedented move, Thuram publicly requested that UEFA ban or limit the number of Parisian fans allowed to attend the match at the stadium. This request, made just hours before kickoff, sent shockwaves through the football world, exacerbating already high tensions between the two sides. UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin was quick to respond, adding a new dimension to the already explosive final.
Thuram, who had already been suspended for insulting PSG and its president Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, justified his request by citing concerns related to security and the atmosphere of the match. According to him, a large presence of Parisian fans could create a hostile climate for Inter, affecting the players’ performances. This outing, widely reported by the media, was perceived as an attempt to destabilize the team, sparking outrage among PSG fans and many observers. The latter believe that Thuram, already at the center of several controversies, is trying to divert attention from his absence on the pitch.
UEFA’s response, delivered by Čeferin, was clear and firm. In an official statement, the president declared that the organization would not tolerate any attempt to restrict fan access, emphasizing that football is, above all, a celebration for the fans. “Supporters of both teams have the right to support their players in a spirit of fair play,” he stated, categorically rejecting Thuram’s request. This stance was welcomed by Parisian fans, who saw it as a defense of sporting values in the face of what they described as provocation.
This affair only adds spice to a final already marked by twists and turns, notably Al-Khelaïfi’s decision to exclude a player from PSG’s starting lineup. With Inter having to cope without Thuram, suspended for his previous comments, this new controversy could galvanize Parisian fans, determined to make their voices heard at the stadium. For Inter, Thuram’s exit risks increasing the pressure on the team, already facing tactical challenges against a PSG seeking its first Champions League title.
Just hours before the match, this controversy once again illustrates the passions and tensions that surround top-level football. Between on-field strategies and off-field verbal battles, this final promises to be a total spectacle, where every detail, from the game to the stands, will count in writing history.
