UEFA has issued a statement on the security of tomorrow’s Europa League final in the wake of last night’s attack in Manchester, when 22 people were killed and 59 were injured in an explosion which went off shortly after the end of an Ariana Grande concert.
UEFA wants to reassure fans that the final between Manchester United and Ajax in Stockholm, Sweden will be safe and free of attacks. Back in April, five people were killed and fifteen injured in a terror attack in Stockholm, so security measures for the match were strengthened.
“There is currently no specific intelligence which might suggest that any of the UEFA Europa League Final activities in Stockholm may be the target of attacks. UEFA has been closely working with local authorities and the Swedish FA for many months and the terrorist risk had been taken into account since the very beginning of the project.
“Furthermore, a number of additional security measures were implemented following the attacks in Stockholm last April. Due to the tight security arrangements, UEFA urges fans to arrive at the stadium as early as possible, as detailed checks will be made at the entrances, resulting in potential delays in accessing the stadium.”
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin offered his condolences:
“I am deeply saddened by the horrible terrorist attack in Manchester last night. It shocks me that so many innocent people lost their lives and I would like to send my condolences to the families of those affected.”
Tomorrow’s final will start at 20:45 CET
Stockholm is set for the #UELfinal. pic.twitter.com/WYdA7MQ9IG
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) May 23, 2017
