Iceland to send eight police officers to Euro 2016

Photo: Iceland Monitor/Golli

The French Home Affairs Minister has requested Iceland send eight police officers to assist local police during the Euro 2016 football finals to be held in France next month.

Some 15-20,000 Icelandic football fans are expected to make the journey to France this summer to support their team .

One of Iceland's groups matches will be in the Velodrome …

One of Iceland's groups matches will be in the Velodrome stadium in Marseille. Photo: AFP

Iceland is one of the signatories to the European Convention on Spectator Violence and Misbehaviour , the aim of which is to “provide practical measures on how to prevent and control such violence but also [take] the requisite action to identify and deal with offenders”.

MORE: Keegan: “Iceland can win Euro 2016!”

The Icelandic government granted the French requests this morning, earmarking an extra ISK 20 million (approx. €145,000) for the police operation.

Iceland have qualified for the Euro finals for the first …

Iceland have qualified for the Euro finals for the first time ever this year. Photo: Iceland Monitor/Golli

The Icelandic police officers will be seconded to an international police force, which will follow the Icelandic team as they play games in various parts of France , and assist local police in their work.

Their role will include channelling first-hand information from local police to the Icelandic fans on the ground, and providing any necessary assistance.

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