Champions League Match Venues to Increase Security Measures After Alleged Terror Threat

Multiple soccer stadiums in Europe have tightened their security measures in response to an alleged terror threat made in regards to this week’s Champions League quarterfinals slate.

Al-Azaim Foundation, a media outlet linked to the Islamic State terror group, recently published several social media posts threatening attacks on four soccer stadiums in Paris, Madrid and London which are set to host Champions League games. The posts included images of the stadiums along with the words “Kill Them All” and an image of a man holding a gun.

UEFA, European soccer’s governing body, said it was aware of the terror threat and that Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s quarterfinal games would go on as scheduled.

“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,” UEFA said in a statement. “All matches are planned to go ahead as scheduled with appropriate security arrangements in place.”

On Tuesday, Arsenal will host Bayern Munich at the Emirates Stadium in London and Real Madrid will host Manchester City at the Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid. On Wednesday, Paris Saint-Germain will host Barcelona at Parc des Princes in Paris while Atlético Madrid will host Borussia Dortmund at the Cívitas Metropolitano, also in Madrid.

In response to the terror threat, France’s interior minister Gérald Darmanin said there would be “considerably reinforced” security measures ahead of the PSG—Barcelona game. Spain’s interior ministry also announced that over 2,000 extra security personnel would be deployed in preparation for the two quarterfinal games in Madrid. 

Meanwhile, London’s Metropolitan Police said a “robust” security plan was in place ahead of the Arsenal-Bayern Munich game on Tuesday. 

“We’re aware of online and media reports in relation to calls to target matches across Europe and here in London,” said Metropolitan Police deputy assistant commissioner Ade Adelekan. “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.”