FBI and Europol stopped ISIS terror attack on Real Madrid

A joint investigation involving the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Europol thwarted a group linked to ISIS after serious terror threats were made against Real Madrid players and spectators attending the Santiago Bernabeu.

According to the Mirror, a collaborative effort between both agencies, which also included Spain's Information Service of the Civil Guard, was incredibly successful as they managed to infiltrate the I'Iam Foundation.

The Spanish newspaper El Confidencial reported nine individuals were arrested in Girona, Cadiz, Almeria, and Tenerife concerning the threats aimed at the Real Madrid squad. Two individuals are being placed in pre-trial detention.

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Journalist Jose Mario Olmo revealed that the investigation dismantled a large terror network that "ordered its followers to attack the bus of Real Madrid football players and fans".

According to the Mirror, the religious network issued a series of disturbing images, hinting at future terror attacks. One of the images depicted a silhouette of a hooded figure alongside a rifle, positioned within view of the Santiago Bernabeu (Madrid).

The poster warned: "My dear brother. He waits in a place near the arrival point of the players. Aim at them along with their supporters." Another poster warned: "My dear brother in Al-Andalus. A very valuable objective awaits you. Break into crowds, distract security with improvised explosives and decoy devices, and advance toward your main objective with determination. "

The I'Iam Foundation is a multi-language media center of the Islamic State that provides religious content in multiple languages. "They target key tools and nodes to disseminate radical messages", according to Europol.

When Real Madrid faced Manchester City at the Santiago Bernabeu back in April, there were rumours amongst fans that ISIS was planning on targeting the Bernabeu. Nevertheless, the fans were riddled with euphoria, and gave very little importance to the rumours.

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Fast forward a few months, and it turns out those rumours were true. El Confidencial reported they saw a poster bearing the chilling message, "Kill them all", ahead of the Champions League quarter-finals.

According to the authorities, the religious group tried to coordinate other attacks in Paris and London. Terrorist threats were made at the Parc des Princes, where FC Barcelona were set to face off against PSG during the UCL quarter-finals.

"Regarding the game that will take place in the Paris region, the head of police has considerably strengthened security. We have seen, among other things, a communication from the Islamic State that particularly targets stadiums. It's not new," shared French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin before the fixture.

Furthermore, according to the Mirror, Ade Adelekan (Deputy Assistant Commissioner for London Police) confirmed: "We are aware of the inline and media reports in relation to calls to target matches across Europe and here in London."

Arsenal squared off against Bayern Munich in another nail-biting quarter-final in London at the Emirates Stadium. Strict security and coordinated Europol efforts prevented a tragedy.

According to Sky Italia, the FBI and Europol began their investigations months before the games, and it included the seizure of computer hard drives and propaganda material. Those arrested were accused of terrorism and criminal conspiracy.

Naturally, both Real Madrid players and fans have offered their gratitude to the authorities for protecting the stadium and its surrounding area.

There is no room for violence and terrorism in the world of football. It has always been a unifying sport for people across the world. To many, it is "the people's game" and a positive way to bridge people together. Let us drop the weapons and pick up the ball. Let us know what you think in the comments!

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