UEFA Vows To Go Ahead With Champions League Matches Despite Islamic State Terror Threat

UEFA, European football's governing body, has vowed to go ahead with the Champions League quarterfinal ties this week despite being aware of a terror threat made by the Islamic State terrorists.

 

SaharaReporters earlier reported that the Islamic State terrorists reportedly threatened to attack the Champions League games that would be played tonight.

 

The Metropolitan police said they were "aware" of an apparent threat by Islamic State (ISIS) against stadiums hosting Champions League games this week even as authorities in Madrid announced they were "on alert."

 

According to Mail Online, Al Azaim Foundation, a media channel that is responsible for spreading messages from the terror group, threatened an attack on all four venues hosting this week's quarter-finals.

 

That includes the Emirates Stadium in London, which will host Arsenal v Bayern Munich tonight, and the Santiago Bernabeu - where Man City fans will watch their side take on Real Madrid.

 

A post shared by the group saying 'kill all' also named the Parc des Princes in Paris and the Metropolitano in Madrid - which are both hosting matches tomorrow.

 

However, in an update on the games, ESPN reports that UEFA said it will go ahead with the games as scheduled, stressing that Arsenal will still host Bayern Munich at the Emirates Stadium in London and Real Madrid will play Manchester City at the Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid tonight.

 

On Wednesday, Paris Saint-Germain will face Barcelona in Parc des Princes in Paris and Atlético Madrid host Borussia Dortmund at Madrid's Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.

 

According to ESPN, France's interior ministry has confirmed an increased police presence will be in place in Paris on Wednesday in response to the threat, while Spain's interior ministry said there will be more than 2,000 extra security personnel in line with typical operations for a major football fixture.

 

The governing body said in a statement that "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," adding that "All matches are planned to go ahead as scheduled with appropriate security arrangements in place."

 

London's Metropolitan Police said in a statement that the nationwide threat level remains at "substantial," but acknowledged the terror threat against the Champions League ties.

 

The Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan, who is overseeing policing in London on Tuesday 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.

 

"As ever, we ask the public to remain vigilant, and if they see any that doesn't look or feel right, then report it to police or security staff."

 

An Arsenal spokesperson told ESPN that the club is working closely with the Metropolitan Police, adding that "Our planning for tonight's fixture is no different and our approach, working together with the Police and UEFA, is proportionate to the current UK threat level."