AFCON : Fans fined on Champs-Élysées not due to waving foreign flags

As fans celebrated their home countries' qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN 2025) set to be held in Morocco, some found themselves slapped with 135-euro fines on the Champs-Élysées in Paris. Among those fined were supporters of the host nation, who took to social media to claim these penalties were due to wearing their team's jerseys or waving foreign flags. However, this is not the case, as French law does not prohibit the display of such symbols in public spaces.

The fines stem from an order by the Paris police prefecture, enacted during the CAN 2025 quarterfinals. This measure, effective from January 9 to 11, 2026, specifically banned gatherings of supporters in certain areas of Paris, including the Champs-Élysées.

Thus, the penalties were not related to the display of foreign flags or national team jerseys, but rather to the presence of fans in restricted areas. More broadly, restrictions on similar symbols are intended to ensure they do not infringe upon the fundamental principle of freedom.

These exceptional measures apply only to specific contexts, such as public buildings and administrations, official ceremonies, or when maintaining public order is necessary.