May 23 – UEFA have confirmed that the Europa League final between Manchester United and Ajax in Stockholm on Wednesday will go ahead and that there is no intelligence to suggest that the showpiece fixture could be targeted following the bomb blast in Manchester that tragically killed at least 22 concert-goers.
UEFA have two major finals in the next 11 days, with Wednesday’s clash followed by the highlight of the European season on Saturday week – the Champions League final in Cardiff.
The Manchester explosion Monday night occurred just as fans were making preparations to fly to Sweden and UEFA has moved to assure supporters that heightened security measures have long been in place.
“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,” a statement from European football’s governing body read.
“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. “
UEFA said a number of additional security measures were implemented following the terrorist attack 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 has offered his condolences to the victims of the horrific Manchester attack which is being treated as terrorism, saying he was “deeply saddened”.
“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,” he added.
Meanwhile United and cross-town rivals Manchester City were among a raft of clubs and players to post messages of support on social media in the hours after the explosion.
A United statement said: “We are deeply shocked by last night’s terrible events at the Manchester Arena. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected.”
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