UEFA has "denied that Euro 2016 matches could be held behind closed doors this summer if the threat of terrorism in France cannot be mitigated," according to Sean Gibson of the London TELEGRAPH. UEFA Exec Committee VP Giancarlo Abete had "previously stated that the possibility of keeping fans away from the tournament's games must be discussed." But in a statement released on Wednesday, UEFA was "resolute that the tournament would go ahead as planned." The statement said, "We are confident that all security measures will be in place for a safe and festive Euro and therefore there are no plans to play matches behind closed doors. However, we are nevertheless working on contingency plans and on multiple scenarios around crisis situations since we take the security of all participants (players, fans, etc.) very seriously." France and Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny said that although it is a "difficult" time, the team "does not feel unsafe." Koscielny: "I do not fear for our safety. The [France Football] Federation has set up a high level of security with great people working around the group, it is serene" (TELEGRAPH, 3/23). EUROPE 1 reported Euro 2016 Organizing Committee President Jacques Lambert said that it would be "absurd" to play games behind closed doors. Lambert: "We must demonstrate cool, sensible and responsible organization of Euro 2016. The fan zones will be subject to the same security measures as the stadiums" (EUROPE 1, 3/23). The PA reported Wales national team Manager Chris Coleman, in response, said, "That's good news as far as I am concerned. We are looking forward to a normal tournament. We were out there, checked out the stadiums, the changing rooms and hotels we are staying. Even in the stadiums where it is empty, we are anticipating what it is like and very excited" (PA, 3/23).
NO TIGHTER SECURITY: In London, John Cross reported FA chiefs have "rejected increasing security around the England team despite the terror attacks in Belgium." They are convinced the "existing measures are already strong enough to protect the team ahead of the two high-profile friendlies with Germany and Holland." England fans traveling to the match in Berlin on Saturday and for the sell-out Wembley game with the Dutch next week "are likely to get extra advice following Tuesday's Brussels bombings." An FA spokesperson said, "Our plans haven’t changed. We have been in constant contact with the German authorities. Our security measures are already very stringent" (DAILY MIRROR, 3/22).
TO PORTUGAL: Due to Tuesday’s terrorist attacks, the Belgium vs. Portugal friendly, scheduled for March 29 at King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels, has been moved to Leiria, Portugal. The decision was made after the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) and the Belgian FA (KBVB) met Wednesday (KBVB). LA MEUSE reported the Belgian Pro League announced that the first day of the playoffs “will still be played on April 1 despite the terrorist attacks.” Each game will have “a one minute moment of silence before the match.” Pro League clubs and officials met on Wednesday and “unanimously decided to go ahead with the Division 1 matches, with supplementary security” (LA MEUSE, 3/23).
EURO IN LIMBO: EUROPE 1 reported French PM Manuel Valls "refused the idea to cancel the Euro 2016 because of the terrorist attacks." Valls said, "Grand sporting, cultural and popular events are indispensable to show that we are free people, who are not afraid" (EUROPE 1, 3/23). In London, Tony Barrett opined in less than three months' time in France, "a football tournament will take place at which every single person who attends will be under threat." Where "is the logic in that?" Where "is the sense in millions of people being drawn to a global event where the risk is posed by terrorists who wish to blow us to kingdom come?" According to the travel advice provided by the U.K. Foreign Office "there is a high threat from terrorism" in France. The guidance goes on to state that "attacks could be indiscriminate." The "idea that we cannot allow the terrorists to win is a noble one and it is an ideal that we should commit to, but only within reason." We "already live with the realities of terror and they impinge on our lives in so many ways that expecting football to be divorced from them does not make sense." Certainly, "the thought of tens of thousands of supporters gathering in fan zones before, during and after games at Euro 2016 seems an unnecessary risk at a time when suicide bombers are demonstrating both their determination and capability to strike in places where crowds of people are gathered." For the time being, "continuing as planned is the best policy but not to the point that public safety is compromised." Should "we arrive at that stage, cancellation would have to be considered" (LONDON TIMES, 3/23).
