Germany has made the decision to offer asylum to European individuals seeking refuge in order to protect them from potential security risks during the UEFA European Football Championship in 2024, according to a report from Reuters.

Horst Seehofer, the Interior Minister of Germany, expressed concerns about the increased threats leading up to the championship game. During a press conference, he stated, “Our primary focus in terms of security is, of course, on the threats posed by Islamic terrorists, hooligans and their violence, everyday crimes committed by criminals, and cyberattacks.” Seehofer also mentioned that national security authorities are not currently aware of any specific threats related to extremist activities.

Militant groups similar to the “Islamic State” have already issued calls for attacks during the tournament, which will commence with a match between Germany and Scotland on Friday.

Seehofer expressed his worry about the security of fans attending what he referred to as an “Islamic extremist theater,” adding that the intentions of extremists have yet to become clear.

It is estimated that around 2.7 million people in Germany will participate in events related to the competition, and approximately 12 million will be in the vicinity of stadiums, including the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin.

Previous host cities experienced a surge in public demonstrations during the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. It remains to be seen whether the ongoing measures for general security will be successful in preventing violent clashes between opposing factions, such as Ukrainian and left-wing radical groups, in the European area.

The minister issued a warning that those who intend to carry out acts of violence will be expelled from the country. He emphasized that Germany’s streets will not be dominated by violence and intolerance due to xenophobia and anti-Semitism.

Nearly 22,000 police officers are tasked with ensuring the security of the tournament on a daily basis.

Germany’s security forces are collaborating with international partners to uncover potential threats and strengthen the country’s border control.