NFL commissioner says security assurances from U.S. Secretary of State support Paris game
Commissioner Roger Goodell said the league is confident the inaugural NFL game in France will proceed safely after receiving assurances from Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell told reporters that he will travel to France for the league’s first game at Stade de France and expressed confidence in the event’s safety. Goodell said the league has been in contact with French officials and the U.S. State Department, adding that “we’re guests in the country” and that appropriate security steps are being taken.
"Our embassy feels the game will be fine," Secretary of State Marco Rubio told media outlets, noting that there is no indication the match will be affected. Rubio said he will not attend the game.
Goodell reiterated that the NFL has been monitoring the situation amid recent protests in Paris and that the league has made all necessary preparations with local authorities. The game, featuring the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints, is scheduled for Sunday, a day after a major protest is expected in the capital.
Both teams have arrived in France without incident, and the stadium is located about 20 miles from central Paris, where recent demonstrations have taken place.