We will ensure security during Euro 2016 Hollande

We will ensure security during Euro 2016  Hollande

France will take every precaution to ensure the safety of those participating in Euro 2016, French President Francois Hollande said Sunday (June 5), admitting there is a constant threat that must be addressed.

“It’s a threat that exists, and I wouldn’t be in this position as president if I didn’t tell you very clearly that there is a threat. It’s a threat that will be around for a long time. So we must take every precaution to ensure this tournament, the Euro 2016 will be a success. And it will be,” Hollande told France Inter radio.

On May 31, the U.S. issued a warning to its citizens of possible summer terrorist attacks in Europe, saying targets could include the European soccer championship, although the State Department said there was no specific threat information.

France had extended its state of emergency, imposed after the Nov. 13 Paris attacks, through July 26 to cover the July 2-24 Tour de France race.

Hollande added that he hoped the competition could bring Europeans together amid political conflicts including the greatest refugee crisis the continent has faced since World War Two, and armed conflict in the east.

He also refuted claims made by Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, who said he was denied the chance to play for France in the Euro 2016 this month because of his Algerian origins.

“There is one head coach — Didier Deschamps. He chooses the players he thinks should be members of the French team in the current conditions and circumstances of this competition. It’s disappointing for those who don’t make the cut, but it’s the only criteria that matters, the head coach’s choice,” he said, saying that race and origin had nothing to do with the selecting process.

Hollande added that former UEFA president Michel Platini would be missed during the competition. Platini is currently banned for four years from soccer for ethics violations.

The Euro 2016 kicks off at the Stade de France on June 10 and will run through July 10.

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