Security measures are reportedly being heightened at Champions League venues this week following threats published by a media outlet supporting the Islamic State group.
The pro-IS channel issued multiple posters calling for attacks at stadiums hosting quarter-final ties on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Despite the threats, UEFA has affirmed that games scheduled in Madrid, Paris, and London will proceed as planned.
However, both France and Spain have confirmed the implementation of enhanced security measures.
French Interior Minister, Gérald Darmanin emphasised the reinforcement of security measures for the PSG versus Barcelona match in Paris on Wednesday.
“I will remind you that only 10 days ago, IS shared a picture of the Munich stadium and said action should be taken against sports venues that host football games, although all sports can be targeted. Given how important the Champions League is for football, we are of course talking to our partners.”
In Madrid, where two quarter-finals are scheduled, Spanish Sports Minister, Pilar Alegría assured the deployment of over 2,000 police and civil guard officers to ensure safety.
A spokesman for UEFA acknowledged the alleged terrorist threats but asserted that all matches will proceed with appropriate security arrangements.
The pro-IS channel’s calls for violent attacks included images of several iconic stadiums, including the Emirates Stadium in London, the Bernabeu Stadium and Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid, and the Parc des Princes Stadium in Paris.
Concerns escalated further with an image depicting the Allianz Arena in Munich, which is set to host Bayern Munich’s return leg against Arsenal. Arsenal faces the German side in London on Tuesday.
While jihadist images featuring masked gunmen were disseminated by pro-IS media groups not directly affiliated with the organization, analysts suggest that the directive may have originated from IS leadership, signaling coordinated efforts between official media operatives and online supporters.
Chioma Kalu
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