Euro 2016 will still go ahead in France

http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/2015-11-17/paris-attacks-uefa-confirms-euro-2016-soccer-tournament-to-go-ahead-in-france-despite-attacks/1515112?

Paris attacks: UEFA confirms Euro 2016 soccer tournament to go ahead in France despite attacks

Updated 17 November 2015, 6:50 AEDT
UEFA has confirmed that the Euro 2016 soccer tournament will take place in France despite the Paris attacks.




UEFA has confirmed that the 2016 European Championship soccer tournament will take place in France as planned despite the deadly attacks that struck Paris.
"The EURO final draw will go ahead as scheduled on 12 December at the Palais des Congres in Paris and the final tournament will be played in France from 10 June to 10 July 2016," UEFA said in a statement on Tuesday (AEDT).
Co-ordinated attacks, for which Islamic State has claimed responsibility, took place in Paris bars, restaurants, a concert hall and outside a soccer stadium on Friday killing at least 129 people and wounding 352 - the worst atrocity in France since World War II.
"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," the statement read.

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While there is no reason to believe that the EURO [2016 finals] might become the target of any attack, the potential terrorist threat has always been taken into account, since the beginning of the project.
Statement by UEFA

"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."
On Sunday (AEDT), organising committee president Jacques Lambert said the risk level around the Euro 2016 finals had "gone up".
"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," UEFA added.

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I think changing the venue [for the Euros] would be giving the terrorists what they want
Spain national soccer coach Vicente del Bosque

"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."
France coach Didier Deschamps supported the decision, telling a news conference ahead of Wednesday's (AEDT) friendly against England at Wembley: "Euro 2016 will take place in France. Measures will be taken for it to go ahead in the best conditions."
Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque told a news conference on Monday previewing Tuesday's friendly against Belgium in Brussels: "I think changing the venue [for the Euros] would be giving the terrorists what they want".

Lloris backs call to play England friendly

France captain Hugo Lloris said on Monday that Tuesday's friendly against England will enable his team-mates to temporarily "escape" from the horror of the devastating attacks that hit Paris.
French Football Federation president Noel Le Graet pressed for the game at Wembley to go ahead despite last Friday's rolling attacks in the French capital, which left 129 people dead and over 350 injured.
The Stade de France was targeted by suicide bombers as France played Germany, while France midfielder Lassana Diarra lost a female cousin in the attacks and forward Antoine Griezmann's sister escaped unhurt from the assault on the Bataclan theatre.

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We will try to escape from it for one hour and 30 minutes. There will be a lot of emotion from the players, but it will be a great moment of solidarity.
French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris

"The president (Le Graet) made the best decision, I think, to play this game," Lloris, who plays in goal for English side Tottenham Hotspur, told a press conference at Wembley.
"Of course we are human and we had doubts, whether to play or not, to go home or stay together, but I think it was well managed by the coach and the technical staff.
"The last three days were a bit dramatic. We were in mourning all together, we spent some time at Clairefontaine (France's national training centre).
"We will try to escape from it for one hour and 30 minutes. There will be a lot of emotion from the players, but it will be a great moment of solidarity.
"It will be an opportunity for us to show character and share this moment with all the English people."