The European body maintains the original plan, although it assured that it will assess the situation until the end of next week before making a final decision. "I think that's pretty much the whole negotiation," said the official. In its statement, the AFE also detailed the logistical and security risks involved in playing matches in areas near attacks: "We cannot ignore that many places are susceptible to being missile targets and any airspace can be closed at any time and without prior notice, which would leave players in a very complicated situation." The union also raised a political and humanitarian issue, considering it contradictory to organize sporting events in areas of tension while different governments are evacuating civilians. "It is very difficult to understand that while different governments are proceeding to evacuate citizens from areas that may suffer military actions, our colleagues travel to one of them to play a football match," added the AFE. Despite the complaints, UEFA informed on Thursday that for the moment, "no alternative venue is being considered".
