Four French police officers are standing trial in Paris for alleged acts of violence during the celebrations that followed the Morocco-France World Cup semifinal on December 14, 2022. The match, which France won 2-0, sparked large crowds on the Champs-ΓlysΓ©es, leading to tensions with law enforcement.
The trial, which began on May 18, 2026, focuses on incidents where officers are accused of using excessive force, including baton strikes and tear gas, against revelers. According to the Paris prosecutor's office, the charges stem from complaints filed by individuals who claim they were injured during the police interventions.
Video footage from the night shows chaotic scenes, with police charging into crowds and firing tear gas canisters. The officers, who have not been named publicly, face potential sentences of up to five years in prison if convicted. The trial is expected to last several weeks.
