French President François Hollande visited the French National Institute of Sport & Physical Education (INSEP) Tuesday and “sought reassurance concerning the organization of Euro 2016” which will be hosted by France from June 10 to July 10, according to L’ÉQUIPE. Hollande said, “There will be maximum security, it is the duty of France to respect all of those who have chosen to come to France this June.” He added, “The competition opens in 73 days, we will host 7 million people: 2.5 will attend 51 matches at the 10 sites and 5 million will experience the Euro in other ways in the organizing cities. We must ensure that all of these activities, all of these events, all of the matches can be assured with a high level of vigilance.” Hollande also assured that there was “never a question of canceling” the tournament that he said must be played in a response to “hatred, division, fear and horror.” Speaking on the organization of the fan zones in the host cities Hollande said, “People who wish to come will be accepted but they must accept the security regulations” (L’ÉQUIPE, 3/29). The IRISH INDEPENDENT reported Hollande said that private security firms have “hired an additional 3,000 people” for the Euro 2016. After last week’s Brussels attacks that killed at least 35 people, “French authorities decided to continue with Euro 2016” as planned (IRISH INDEPENDENT, 3/29).
RETURN TO PARIS: In Paris, Bertrand Métayer reported 137 days after the Nov. 13 attacks on Paris, the French national team beat Russia 4-2 in a friendly at the Stade de France in Paris on Tuesday. It was the first match back in Paris for the French team since "two suicide bombers blew themselves up outside the stadium during the France-Germany friendly in November." Stadium officials expected 65,000 spectators for the match which was the "last event to take place in the stadium until the opening match for Euro 2016" (LE PARISIEN, 3/29). L’ÉQUIPE reported Hollande will "attend the friendly between France and Russia." Hollande was "present during the match against Germany" and was "evacuated during the match after explosions were heard inside the stadium" (L’ÉQUIPE, 3/29).
