It is no longer news that the terrorist attack in Paris on Friday killed 132 people and injured more than 350, prompting safety concerns over Euro 2016, but it will not be relocated.
Uefa has confirmed that next year's European Championship will be hosted by France as scheduled despite the atrocities that occurred in Paris on Friday. A terror attack carried out in the country's capital killed 132 people and injured more than 350, with a concert, a restaurant and the football match between France and Germany all targeted by the perpetrators.
Due to the Stade de France coming under attack - four people died in explosions near the stadium, which is due to host the final of the competition on July 10 - fears were raised about the safety of the ground, with former striker Just Fontaine urging his countrymen to "forego" the chance to host Euro 2016.
However, Uefa has now confirmed that the tournament will not be relocated, and has assured fans that precautions will be taken to ensure their well-being.“Following the dramatic events that occurred last Friday in Paris, Uefa and Euro 2016 SAS wish to reaffirm their commitment in placing safety and security at the centre of their organisational plans," a statement read."
While there is no reason to believe that the Euro might become the target of any attack, the potential terrorist threat has always been taken into account, since the beginning of the project. Euro 2016 SAS and all stakeholders involved in the organisation of the tournament will continue their joint work and will regularly monitor the level of risk for the tournament and their respective organisational plans."
For over three years now, Euro 2016 SAS has been working closely with the relevant authorities to develop the most appropriate mechanisms in order to guarantee there is a safe and secure tournament and we are confident that the necessary measures will be taken to ensure that is the case for all involved."
The Euro final draw will go ahead as scheduled on 12 December at the Palais des Congrès in Paris and the final tournament will be played in France from 10 June to 10 July 2016.
CONCERNS
As noted, the Stade de France was only one of six locations targeted by these attacks, later claimed to have been carried out by the so-called ‘Islamic state’. The 10th and 11th arrondissements of Paris were particularly badly affected. Two of the French players were directly touched by the attacks.
While Lassana Diarra tragically lost a cousin, Antoine Griezmann’s sister survived the most deadly assault, on the Bataclan Theatre during a rock concert. Around 90 people died there.
The football world was quick to react. Italy boss Antonio Conte and defender Leonardo Bonucci voiced their safety fears ahead of Euro 2016, along with Ukraine coach Mykhaylo Fomenko. The uncomfortable feeling is easy to understand, and it is up to the authorities to reassure the competition’s principle actors in the weeks to follow. The suicide bombers had planned to enter Stade de France to cause carnage among 70,000fans, and this has deeply troubled the sporting world.
Several Paris Saint-Germain players have also spoken out. But while Thiago Motta offered words of strength, Edinson Cavani have been troubled by the idea of returning to France. Salvatore Sirigu, meanwhile, lost two friends who ran a restaurant that he and the PSG squad frequently visited.
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