- UEFA acknowledges a terror threat made by a media outlet linked to the Islamic State, calling for attacks at stadiums hosting Champions League quarterfinal matches.
- Matches scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday in London, Madrid, and Paris will go ahead as planned, with increased police presence and security personnel.
- France’s interior ministry has confirmed an increased police presence in Paris, and Spain’s interior ministry has stated there will be more than 2,000 extra security personnel.
- The Metropolitan Police in London has acknowledged the terror threat but reassured the public of a robust policing plan for the match in London, working closely with the club’s security team.
The UEFA has issued a statement regarding alleged terror threats made by the Islamic State (IS) against this week’s Champions League matches. Despite the threats, which were made public through images on social media, UEFA has confirmed that all matches are planned to proceed as scheduled, with appropriate security arrangements in place. The threats targeted the venues of the matches in Paris, Madrid, and London, which are scheduled to take place on Tuesday and Wednesday.
UEFA has been working closely with local authorities across Europe to address the threats. For instance, in London, the Metropolitan Police have assured that a “robust policing plan” is in place for the Arsenal vs. Bayern Munich match at the Emirates Stadium.
? ????????: UEFA Statement: "UEFA is aware of alleged terrorist threats made towards this week’s Champions League matches and is closely liaising with the authorities at the respective venues.
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) April 9, 2024
"All matches are planned to go ahead as scheduled with appropriate security… pic.twitter.com/8U59EhVpaS
Similarly, in France, the Minister of the Interior and Overseas Territories, Gerald Darmanin, mentioned that security resources have been considerably reinforced around the Parc des Princes in Paris for the match between Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona. In Spain, a government minister confirmed the deployment of 2,000 officers from the national police, civil guard, and Madrid municipal police for the Real Madrid vs. Manchester City match at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The threats were made public through a media outlet linked to the Islamic State, which called for attacks on the quarterfinal matches. This has led to heightened security measures for the matches, with enhanced police presence and additional security arrangements at the venues.
UEFA’s statement emphasizes their commitment to ensuring the safety of all participants and spectators, and they are closely liaising with the authorities at the respective venues to address the threats.
The matches scheduled for this week include:
- Real Madrid vs. Manchester City at the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid.
- Paris Saint-Germain vs. Barcelona at the Parc des Princes in Paris.
- Atletico Madrid vs. Borussia Dortmund at the Metropolitano in Madrid.
- Arsenal vs. Bayern Munich at the Emirates Stadium in London.
The UEFA’s statement reassures the public that all matches are planned to go ahead as scheduled, with the necessary security measures in place to ensure the safety of all attendees.
