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Welsh Secretary Alun Cairns “Safety and security of football festival is of paramount importance”

The security operation surrounding the Champions League final in Cardiff has been boosted by a £1.4million contribution from UK Government, Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns announced today.

The UK Government has confirmed that it has approved a Special Grant application made by the South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner to cover the additional costs of policing the biggest game in European club football on 3 June.

Cardiff’s Principality Stadium will play host to the showpiece event which is expected to attract a worldwide audience of several hundred million and generate £45m for the Cardiff economy.

The City of Cardiff Stadium will also host the women’s Champions League final (1 June) and around 250,000 people are expected to descend on the capital to enjoy the four-day festival of events during the week.

Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns said:

Cardiff has consistently proven its calibre in delivering high profile events on an international stage. The eyes of the world will once again be upon us as we prepare to host the Champions League finals.

The safety and security of the hundreds of thousands of people set to flood into the city and surrounding areas at this time is of paramount importance. The UK Government is determined to ensure that Wales, and the UK, are seen in the best possible light on the worldwide stage and the policing of the event will be crucial in achieving this.

I am delighted that we have been able to provide this funding for South Wales Police. I know the whole city is looking forward to giving visiting supporters a wonderful welcome at what will be a safe and successful Champions League final later this year.

Minister for Policing and the Fire Service Brandon Lewis said:

I am pleased to confirm that £1.4million in special grant funding has been allocated to support South Wales Police at the Champions League final in Cardiff. I am sure it will be a fantastic event for the city of Cardiff to host.

The UK Government has protected police funding since the 2015 Spending Review and it is right that in exceptional circumstances we provide additional resources in order to make sure we keep our communities safe and secure.