Begium vs Spain Game Cancelled

The Friendly game between the No.1 ranked team in the world Belgium vs Spain has been called off due to security concerns.

The statement released Nov 16 by the Belgian FA read:

“At the very end of the evening, the Belgian FA was contacted by the government,who made the recommendation not to play tomorrow’s match. This is because the the terror alert level is high and with the current leakage of a suspicious person. We deeply regret that such a friendly match between two motivated teams has been cancelled so late and we understand the disappointment of many fans. However, taking into account the exceptional circumstances,we cannot take any risks with players and fans”.

Belgium National Team
photo credit: Erik Drost
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This development comes in the wake of deadly attacks in bars,restaurants and concert hall in Paris, while France were playing Germany at the Stade de France in an international friendly on Nov 13.

France To Host Euro 2016 As Planned- UEFA

France will remain the host of Euro 2016, UEFA has announced.

The country’s hosting of the tournament has come under scrutiny since Friday’s terrorist attacks in Paris, which killed 129 people with many more seriously injured.

A statement from UEFA on Monday said the tournament organising committee was standing firm.

“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,”

“The Euro final draw will go ahead as scheduled on Dec. 12 at the Palais des Congres in Paris and the final tournament will be played in France from June 10 to July 10, 2016.”

Aerial view of stade de France, Paris
photo credit: Citizen59
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“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 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.

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.” the statement said