By Andrew Warshaw
November 16 – Organisers of next summer’s European Championship finals in France say they will not be deterred by the Paris terrorist onslaught and that the tournament will go ahead and not be re-allocated.
Jacques Lambert, president of the organising committee of Euro 2016, said that a postponement or change of venue was not being considered.
Some reports have suggested the suicide bombings outside the Stade de France were intended to happen inside the ground where France were playing Germany and that when one of the attackers was turned away by security officials, he detonated his vest when attempting to get away.
But Lambert declared: “To consider the cancellation of Euro 2016 would be to reward the terrorists.”
“The level of risk has been raised but there is no reason why the situation affects the anti-terrorism plan for Euro 2016. We will take all the necessary decisions so that Euro 2016 can go ahead in the most effective conditions. Stadium security works well, the risk is on the street, at spontaneous gatherings.”
The Euro 2016 finals will be held at 10 venues across France from 10 June. For the first time ever, the finals have been extended from 16 to 24 teams. More immediately, the draw takes place on December 12 in Paris and 48 hours beforehand, UEFA’s executive committee are due to convene there amid heightened security.
In a statement UEFA said it was “deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic events which occurred in Paris last night and wishes to express its support and solidarity to France and to those affected by these horrible acts.”
All teams playing in European internationals this week will wear black armbands, with a minute’s silence held before kickoff in honour of the victims.
Meanwhile, suspended UEFA president Michel Platini could not hide his personal feelings.
“I would like to express my deep sorrow and profound indignation at such acts of blind barbarity,” Platini said in a statement. “I would also like to offer my condolences to the families of the victims and I hope for a prompt recovery to the wounded.”
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