UEFA Talks Euro 2016 Security

Back in 2011 a joint venture between UEFA and the French Football Federation (FFF) was formed, called Euro 2016 SAS. Ever since, it “has been working closely with the relevant authorities to develop the most appropriate and robust mechanisms to ensure a safe and secure tournament for all involved.”

A UEFA spokesperson pointed out that the French government was “wholly responsible for overall safety and security in relation to the tournament, with local authorities responsible for local security,” while “Euro 2016 SAS is responsible for private security at the official sites,” meaning stadiums, team base camps, training centers, team transfer hotels, official hotels and the international broadcast centre.

To ensure that additional controls such as body checks won’t cause major delays, around 30 percent more security staff than in the previous tournament will be employed. “Over 900 security guards will be dispatched per game and per stadium – depending on the size of the stadium.”

Around 10,000 will be mobilized in total. “The French authorities and the host cities are in charge of security in the fan zones. The fan zones will be fully closed and there will be a generalized body search upon entrance so that fans will be able to enjoy the fan zones and watch the matches on giant screens in a safe environment,” the spokesperson said.