Soccer chiefs discuss closing stadium roof as part of major security review for Euro final

EUROPEAN football chiefs are discussing closing the Principality Stadium roof for the Champions League final as part of security measures for the historic event.

The stadium roof is often closed for rugby matches during bad weather or to improve the atmosphere, but Uefa officials have specifically cited potential security issues.

The draw for the semi-final of this year’s competition was held at Uefa headquarters in Nyon yesterday with four teams – Monaco, Juventus, Atletico Madrid and Gareth Bale’s Real Madrid – competing for a place in the final in Cardiff on June 3.

It comes after football was shocked as Borussia Dortmund’s team bus was targeted by a bomb ahead of their quarter-final match against Monaco.

Speaking at the semi-final draw, Uefa’s deputy general secretary, Giorgio Marchetti, said security was the organisers’ “number-one priority” in the build-up to the event that is expected to see close to 200,000 people arrive in the Welsh capital ahead of the clash.

And he admitted that could see the roof closed as an extra security precaution, with a final decision to be made closer to the showpiece event.

Some have mentioned the closing of the roof would prevent any possibility of the game being targeted by drones, though Mr Marchetti insisted that the roof issue was only one aspect of security measures under discussion with the local organising committee and local police.

Indeed, he added that the roof could instead be closed to preserve the playing surface in the event of poor weather.

Mr Marchetti told Welsh reporters in the light of recent events: “We always review security measures at all of our events. We are obviously in constant contact with the local organising committee, the police and all the authorities that are working well together.

“As you know, security is our first priority.”

Mr Marchetti praised the work of the FAW and its local partners as they prepare for the

huge event – considered the biggest annual sporting event in the world – but asked specifically about the roof, he added: “This is one element of the security plan. This is definitely part of the assessment that is being made. No decision has been made so far specifically regarding the roof.

“Any decision which needs to be made will be made much closer to the match and this is part of the assessment, as are all the other elements.

“It is in discussion but there is no decision and we cannot just consider one specific element like closing the roof, we have to consider the whole picture.”

First Minister Carwyn Jones added: “Security is always reviewed. We work very closely with South Wales Police. They, of course, will assess the situation on a daily, if not weekly, basis just to make sure that the security is at the right level, and we’re confident that it will be.”

When asked about a potential drone attack at the Principality Stadium, Carwyn Jones said: “There’s no specific threat of a drone attack but the police have to consider all potential possibilities, and around those possibilities there’s been discussion about whether the roof should be closed or not.

“But there’s no specific threat to the stadium.”

Superintendent Steve Furnham said: “Detailed safety and security planning and preparation for the Uefa Champions League Finals in Cardiff has been going ahead for many months.

“Discussions are ongoing with Uefa as to whether the stadium roof will be open or closed on June 3. No decision has yet been taken.

“Measures will also be taken to restrict vehicular access to a number of areas within Cardiff.

“We are working with our partners here in South Wales, as well as with other security forces across the country, to ensure a safe and secure environment for the finals in June.”

Mr Marchetti described the attack in Dortmund as “cowardly” during the draw, which saw the trophy handed over to Cardiff final ambassador Ian Rush and Mr Jones before they returned to Wales with the iconic prize. The FA of Wales has arranged a Legendary Trophy Journey round all of Wales ahead of the final where members of the public can see the trophy that Wales star Bale hopes to win for a third time, having lifted it twice with Real.