NYON, Switzerland—This week’s Champions League games are going ahead as scheduled despite an Islamic State terror threat, the governing body of European soccer said Tuesday.
Several posters circulated on social media alleging to be from the Al-Azaim Foundation—a media arm of ISIS-K—called for attacks at the four stadiums hosting the matches this week. The Associated Press could not verify the authenticity of the posts.
“UEFA is aware of alleged terrorist threats made toward this week’s UEFA Champions League matches and is closely liaising with the authorities at the respective venues,” the governing body said in a statement. “All matches are planned to go ahead as scheduled with appropriate security arrangements in place.”
Two matches were scheduled to be held in Madrid, including a Tuesday game between Real Madrid and Manchester City. Atletico Madrid is set to host Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday.
There was no noticeable change to the security plans outside the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, with an extensive police presence already expected ahead of the match. There were no early reports by local authorities of unusual security incidents.
Arsenal played Bayern Munich in London on Tuesday, and Paris Saint-Germain is set to host Barcelona on Wednesday.
“I want to reassure the public that we have a robust policing plan in place for tonight’s match [in London], and we continue to work closely alongside the club’s security team to ensure that the match passes peacefully,” said Ade Adelekan, Metropolitan Police deputy assistant commissioner.
Before the Arsenal game, there were no obvious indicators that security had been ramped up, with roads near the Emirates Stadium open as usual and fans milling about calmly.
France Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin said police have considerably reinforced security around the Parc des Princes in Paris.
“We have seen, among others, a statement from the Islamic State, which is particularly targeting stadiums. It’s not new,” Mr. Darmanin said. “This morning, we asked the general director of interior security to communicate the information we have with the other [security] services of the other countries hosting the quarterfinals.”
Islamic State claimed responsibility for the March 22 attack on the Crocus Hall concert venue outside Moscow that killed 144 people.
The return matches in the Champions League are scheduled for next week.
Paris Saint-Germain defender Danilo said he and his teammates “need to concentrate on the soccer,” but Coach Luis Enrique said the threat was worrying.
“Who wouldn’t be concerned by that? Of course we’re concerned,“ the coach said. ”We hope it’s only a threat and that nothing will happen.”
