June 4, (THEWILL)- Germany is strengthening security measures before the European Championship football tournament kicks off on June 14. Interior Minister, Nancy Faeser, revealed plans on Tuesday, to combat potential threats from Islamist extremists, hooligans, violent individuals, and cyber attacks during the competition.
With an anticipated 2.7 million spectators attending matches across German stadiums and 12 million more gathering at outdoor fan zones, robust security protocols are deemed essential. Minister Faeser assured: “You can never 100 percent guarantee security, but we are well prepared and remain very vigilant.” Comprehensive measures involve a substantial police presence bolstered by officers from other nations and 16,000 volunteers.
Recent incidents, including a knife attack at a right-wing rally in Mannheim that left one police officer dead, have heightened concerns over security. However, Faeser emphasised the Euro 2024 tournament as an opportunity to promote unity and respect amidst threats posed by Russian aggression and domestic extremism.
No specific threats have been identified thus far, yet German authorities are leaving no stone unturned to ensure the safety of spectators and participants. “We want to show that sport stands for respect and cohesion,” Faeser stated, underscoring the event’s potential to bring people together.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
