"AS Saint-Étienne firmly opposes the dissolution of its 2 main supporters' groups" (I. Gazidis)

"AS Saint-Étienne has been notified of the government's intention to disband its two main supporters' groups, which were set up more than 30 years ago. The club firmly opposes this measure, deeming it disproportionate and ineffective in the fight against violence and discrimination in stadiums," said Ivan Gazidis, president of AS Saint-Étienne (Ligue 1 McDonald's), on 16/03/2025.

The South African of Greek origin, who has been president of AS Saint-Étienne since June 2024, reacted a few days after Bruno Retailleau, the French Interior Minister, indicated his intention to initiate a process to disband five supporters' groups. The Magic Fans and the Green Angels are among the groups concerned, in addition to the Offenders (RC Strasbourg Alsace), Légion X (Paris FC, Ligue 2 BKT) and the Brigade Loire (FC Nantes).

"We decided to invest in Saint-Étienne because of the club's rich history and the fervent support it enjoys at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, while being aware of the existing challenges. Since then, we have made considerable efforts to foster a direct, ongoing and constructive…