UEFA, the governing body of football in Europe, has released a statement in response to threats made by the terrorist group ISIS ahead of the Champions League quarter-final games.
The Islamic State has circulated images online suggesting that all four stadiums will be targeted over the two nights. The source of the news has not been confirmed, but it is believed to be linked to the established terrorist organisation.
UEFA has acknowledged the threats and has decided to increase the level of security. They have released a statement that reads as follows:
“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. All matches are planned to go ahead as scheduled with appropriate security arrangements in place.“
The Al Azaim Foundation, the outlet often responsible for spreading messages from ISIS, published a chilling poster with the message ‘Kill them all’ alongside the names of all four stadiums hosting the matches.
The countries that will be hosting the first-leg matches have also assured football fans that there will be adequate security provided around all the stadiums. ISIS recently claimed responsibility for an attack on a Moscow concert hall, where 133 people were killed when automatic weapons were used.
UEFA Champions League quarter-final fixtures;
Arsenal vs. Bayern Munich
Atletico Madrid vs. Borussia Dortmund
Real Madrid vs. Manchester City
Paris Saint-Germain vs. Barcelona
