Paris attacks: Euro 2016 will be hosted in France confirms Uefa despite safety concerns

The 2016 European Championships will be hosted in France despite the recent terror attacks on the capital of Paris that saw 132 people killed, governing body Uefa have announced. Of the seven separate attacks carried out by militant group Islamic State (Isis) on 13 November, three suicide bombers detonated vests outside the Stade de France stadium during an international friendly between France and Germany.

The episode follows the killing of 17 people of the satirical magazine Charlie Hedbo in January 2015, which IS also claimed responsibility for. Former striker Just Fontaine – scorer of a record 13 goals at the 1958 World Cup – had led calls for France to be stripped of the tournament, which is scheduled to take place between 10 June and 10 July, following the spate of security breaches.

But following comments from president of Euro 2016 Jacques Lambert, who said cancellation of the tournament would "do the work of the terrorists", Uefa have moved to quash speculation the tournament could be relocated or postponed. "Following the dramatic events that occurred last Friday in Paris, Uefa and Euro 2016 wish to reaffirm their commitment in placing safety and security at the centre of their organisational plans," a statement read.

"While there is no reason to believe that the EURO might become the target of any attack, the potential terrorist threat has always been taken into account, since the beginning of the project. Euro 2016 and all stakeholders involved in the organisation of the tournament will continue their joint work and will regularly monitor the level of risk for the tournament and their respective organisational plans.

"For over three years now, Euro 2016 has been working closely with the relevant authorities to develop the most appropriate mechanisms in order to guarantee there is a safe and secure tournament and we are confident that the necessary measures will be taken to ensure that is the case for all involved. The Euro final draw will go ahead as scheduled on 12 December at the Palais des Congres in Paris and the final tournament will be played in France from 10 June to 10 July 2016."