Champions League tensions rise as PSG report Arsenal to UEFA ahead of semi-final clash
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Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are embroiled in a dispute off the pitch just days before their highly anticipated UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg at the Emirates Stadium, according to reports from France.
The French champions are set to visit London on Tuesday for the first leg of the blockbuster tie, with the return leg in Paris scheduled eight days later. While both teams are preparing for a tight contest on the pitch, tensions have already flared due to off-field matters—specifically, ticket allocations.
Reports from L’Équipe claim that PSG have been granted just 2,500 tickets for their travelling fans, 500 fewer than the 3,000 they received for their previous visit to the Emirates in the league phase last October—a match Arsenal comfortably won 2-0.
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UEFA typically mandates that away teams receive at least 5% of a stadium’s capacity in ticket allocations, which would equal around 3,000 seats at the Emirates. However, the 2,500-ticket allocation represents only around 4%, falling short of the standard requirement.
Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka against PSG in the group phase (Image credit: Getty Images)The decision has reportedly angered PSG officials, who argue that the reduced allocation undermines the principles of fair play. Arsenal, on the other hand, have justified the move by citing safety concerns, specifically referencing input from local authorities and the logistical complications posed by the London Marathon, which takes place just two days before the semi-final.
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PSG have formally lodged a complaint with UEFA and are pressing for the reinstatement of the full 3,000-ticket quota. According to L’Équipe, the Parisians are also considering “other avenues of appeal” should UEFA not act in their favour before Tuesday’s fixture.
“PSG received a rejection from Arsenal for the first leg,” the report states. “The English club confirmed to the French champions that it was only granting 2,500 seats and not the usual 3,000. British officials cited security reasons requested by local authorities. The London Marathon, taking place more than 48 hours before the match, is also being referenced.”
The report adds that PSG supporters have already been contacted via email with instructions on how to purchase tickets for the Emirates fixture.
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