Mikel Arteta has submitted a formal request to FIFA, demanding that PSG fans be banned from the stadium to avoid repeating the mistakes made in the first-leg defeat.

In an unexpected development, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has sent a formal request to FIFA, requesting a ban on Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) fans entering the pitch in upcoming matches, particularly in the run-up to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. This move aims to avoid repeating the tactical errors Arsenal made in this season’s UEFA Champions League defeat to PSG. Arteta’s bold demands have sparked controversy in the global football community.

According to sources, Arteta argued that the passion of PSG fans at the Parc des Princes put a lot of pressure on Arsenal players, leading to tactical and psychological errors in the first leg. The 2-0 defeat to PSG in October 2024 made Arteta pay particular attention to the role of the crowd in affecting performance. In the FIFA application, he emphasized that restricting visiting fans can help ensure a fairer competitive environment, especially in the context of tournaments like the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, where Arsenal will face PSG in Group B.

The 2025 FIFA World Cup, which runs from June 14 to July 13 in the United States, is the center of attention with the participation of 32 of the world’s best teams, including Arsenal and PSG. With both teams in Group B, the matchup promises to be extremely tense. Arteta’s request is seen as an attempt to minimize pressure from PSG fans, who are renowned for their passion and impressive cheers.

However, this proposal has met with mixed opinions. Some experts believe Arteta’s decision is unprecedented and could harm sportsmanship. “Fans are the lifeblood of football. Banning them from the pitch goes against the fundamental values of this sport,” shared a prominent football commentator on X. Meanwhile, some Arsenal fans supported Arteta, saying he was trying to maximize his chances of winning an important tournament.

PSG and FIFA have not officially responded. However, internal sources say that FIFA may refuse this request, as banning visiting fans is not only complicated in terms of organization, but could also provoke negative reactions from the football community. Moreover, with the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup free, free broadcasts on DAZN, and matches taking place in major stadiums like the Hard Rock Stadium, fan control will be a major challenge.

Regardless of the outcome, Arteta’s move has heated up the atmosphere ahead of the tournament. Can Arsenal use this tactic to overcome PSG, or will this demand become the target of criticism? The answer will be revealed when the tournament officially begins in June 2025.