UEFA denies possibility of playing Euro 2016 behind closed doors

UEFA has insisted that it is not considering the possibility of playing Euro 2016 matches behind closed doors because of security concerns.

Giancarlo Abete, vice-president of UEFA's executive committee, had claimed that the possibility of denying fans access to stadiums could not be ruled out after yesterday's terror attacks in Brussels which left around 34 dead.

However, UEFA said in a statement today: "We are confident that all security measures will be in place for a safe and festive Euro and therefore there are no plans to play matches behind closed doors.

"However, we are nevertheless working on contingency plans and on multiple scenarios around crisis situations since we take the security of all participants (players, fans, etc) very seriously."

Belgium's international friendly against Portugal next week was called off this morning at the request of the Belgian government.

Euro 2016 begins at the Stade de France, which was threatened by last November's Paris attacks, on June 10 when hosts France take on Romania.