France-Maroko game, Paris is bought: Over 5,000 police officers, security fears to monitor capital

Paris is on alert before the quarterfinals of the World between France and Morocco. French authorities have drafted a special security plan, mobilizing extraordinary measures to avoid incidents that could accompany one of the most sensitive tournament matches. The clashes after the 2022 World semifinal have prompted police to leave nothing at all.

According to French media, Paris Police will implement an expanded security operation during Thursday's evening, when France and Morocco will face a place in the World Cup semifinals.

For the first time in this tournament, security fears will be monitored on the French capital, as authorities aim to prevent any act of violence or turmoil that could erupt before or after the end of the challenge. In the morning, over 5 thousand police will be committed to avoiding riots.

The measures were taken in view of World 2022 events, when after France's victory over Morocco in the semifinals, more than 260 arrests were recorded throughout the country, most of them in Paris. For this reason, police have banned the use of fireworks and pyrotechnic tools, while the order will enter into force shortly before the start of the match.

Some businesses in Paris have decided to protect their premises with barriers, while part of the subway stations will be closed to restrict large gatherings of fans.

Authorities consider this meeting high-risk even because of the large Moroccan community living in France, the goal is not to be accompanied by violent episodes or clashes on the streets of the French capital.

In Paris, the Moroccans have one of the city's largest communities, which numbers, according to French government data, 300 million inhabitants and 2.2 million nationwide.