Champions League On High Alert: Security Stepped Up Amid Terror Threats At Match Venues

Security measures will be heightened at Champions League games this week following the emergence of terror threats against match venues by a media outlet supportive of the Islamic State group.

The threats, disseminated through multiple posters, specifically targeted at stadiums hosting quarter-final ties scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday.

Although Uefa acknowledged the threats, it reassured the public that games in Madrid, Paris, and London would proceed as planned. Despite this assurance, both French and Spanish authorities have confirmed the implementation of enhanced security measures in response to the threats.

French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin announced the deployment of “considerably reinforced” security measures for the PSG versus Barcelona match in Paris on Wednesday, emphasizing the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all attendees.

Mr Darmanin continued: “I will remind you that only 10 days ago, IS shared a picture of the Munich stadium and said action should be taken against sports venues that host football games – although all sports can be targeted. Given how important the Champions League is for football, we are of course talking to our partners.”

Two quarter-finals are due to be held in Madrid this week. Real Madrid host Manchester City on Tuesday, while Atletico Madrid take on Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday.

Pilar Alegría, Spain’s sports minister, has issued a message of “calm” ahead of the games in Madrid and said “more than 2,000 police and civil guard officers” are being deployed.

A spokesman for European football’s governing body said: “Uefa is aware of alleged terrorist threats made towards this week’s Uefa Champions League matches and is closely liaising with the authorities at the respective venues.

“All matches are planned to go ahead as scheduled with appropriate security arrangements in place.”

Metropolitan Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan said: “We’re aware of online and media reports in relation to calls to target matches across Europe and here in London.

“However, I want to reassure the public that we have a robust policing plan in place for tonight’s match and we continue to work closely alongside the club’s security team to ensure that the match passes peacefully.”

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