The French government have reportedly approved a three-year trial that will allow pyrotechnics to be used in sports stadiums. The ruling means that Ligue 1 matches are set to see increased use of the devices, thus adding another dimension to games involving Paris Saint-Germain – which are consistently the loudest and most competitive due to the presence of Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe.
Conversations have been ongoing with the French government to allow pyrotechnics in arenas over the past few months, with all parties involved keen to decriminalise the use of the devices as long as displays are arranged beforehand with the relevant authorities.
According to L’Equipe, a decree published in an official government statement revealed that an agreement had been reached for sports stadiums in the country to allow pyrotechnics to be used. The plan has been approved for three years, when it will then be reviewed once again.
Clubs will therefore now be able to organise pyrotechnic displays with their fanbases which will make flares and smoke bombs a common site in the Ligue 1. The statement read: “(We) will allow professional sports clubs, in close collaboration with supporters' associations, and with the agreement of local authorities, to organize pyrotechnic animations carried out by supporters in a predetermined, supervised and secure framework.
“(The goal is to) tend towards the disappearance of the illegal and unsafe use of pyrotechnic articles in the stands of the stadiums".
French football already has a reputation for being the home of some of the most fierce, electric atmospheres. And PSG may be hoping that the potential to play in the most animated competition in Europe could help them persuade Messi to stay at the club.
The Argentina international is out of contract at the Parc Des Princes this summer and speculation is brewing that he could move on, with clubs from Saudi Arabia and the MLS both alerted to his situation. A return to Barcelona could also be on the cards, having left the Catalan giants in 2021 after the Spanish side began to face major financial difficulties.
Discussing the prospect of the No 10 returning to the Camp Nou, Barca club president Joan Laporta told the Joe Pomp show: “Messi is a PSG player and I have to have respect. Leo knows we have him in our hearts. He is part of our shield. The legacy I found myself when I became president was not good and I had to make a decision that I'm not satisfied with. I have to find a way to improve Messi's current relationship with Barca. We'll see, but he knows that the doors of Barca are open."