According to UEFA, European football’s governing body, all Champions League quarterfinal matches will go on as scheduled this week.
The status of this week’s games was in question following a terror threat — via a social media post purporting to be from the Islamic State group — suggesting a plan was in place to attack the Champions League fixtures this week.
On Tuesday, Arsenal host Bayern Munich at the Emirates Stadium in London and Real Madrid play Manchester City at the Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid. On Wednesday, Paris Saint-Germain face Barcelona in Paris and Atlético Madrid host Borussia Dortmund at Madrid’s Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.
“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,” the governing body said in a statement to ESPN. “All matches are planned to go ahead as scheduled with appropriate security arrangements in place.”
Representatives from both France and Spain’s interior ministries have confirmed that there will be an increased police presence at the games. Additionally, London’s Metropolitan Police told ESPN in a statement that the nationwide threat level remains at “substantial.”
“We’re aware of online and media reports in relation to calls to target matches across Europe and here in London,” said Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan, who is overseeing policing in London on Tuesday.
“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.
“As ever, we ask the public to remain vigilant, and if they see any that doesn’t look or feel right, then report it to police or security staff.”
