OM–PSG: Weather and Security, Two Crucial Stakes Before Le Classique

The weather, an unexpected guest at the Classique

This Sunday, Météo France placed the Bouches-du-Rhône under orange alert, with thunderstorms, heavy rain, and possible hail expected in the evening. Up to 90 mm of rainfall is forecast, with a peak between 7 pm and 9 pm—right at the kickoff of the OM–PSG clash.

In light of this forecast, the LFP briefly considered postponement. The precedent of 2012—a postponed Olympico due to dangerous mistral winds—still lingers in memory. However, on Saturday evening, the regional prefecture confirmed that the match would go ahead, while stressing that “the situation could change if conditions deteriorate.” A fresh update will be given a few hours before the Vélodrome gates open.

Stricter supporter checks

Beyond the weather, stadium security is also at the heart of the discussions. Since the attack on the Lyon team bus in October 2023 and several recent incidents in French stadiums, authorities have been demanding tighter controls on spectators.

For this Classique, an unprecedented measure has been announced: the 27,000 season-ticket holders in the stands behind the goals will be required to download a personalized e-ticket, as their membership card will not be accepted. OM also encourages supporters to print their tickets to reduce the risk of fraud.

Authorities are pushing for every ticket to eventually be paired with an ID check at entry—a heavy undertaking for the club. In the meantime, this first step is intended to test a stricter system, which could be reapplied at the Olympico in March 2026.

A tense Classique… even before kickoff

With nearly 65,800 spectators expected, the duel between OM and PSG is already under close watch. Between the threat of severe weather and reinforced security measures, the atmosphere promises to be electric well before the ball rolls onto the Vélodrome pitch.