French President acknowledges terror threat during Euro 2016

Francoise Hollande

Issam Rimawi/Flash 90

French President Francois Hollande acknowledged on Sunday there was a threat of an attack during the upcoming Euro 2016 soccer championship, but said the country must not be intimidated.

"This (attack) threat exists," he was quoted by AFP as having told public radio France Inter. "But we must not be daunted. We must do everything to ensure that the Euro 2016 is a success."

France is on high alert for possible terror strikes during the tournament opening on Friday, following jihadist attacks in Paris in January and November last year.

The United States warned last week of the risk of attacks, with the French stadiums hosting the matches but also the so-called fan zones where spectators will be gathering in large numbers potential targets.

In fact, in April it was revealed that the Brussels, Belgium bombing cell planned to attack the Euro 2016 soccer cup. READ MORE