Sports events in Paris region called off in wake of attacks

All major sports events in the Paris region have been suspended in the wake of Friday's deadly attacks in the French capital in which at least 120 people were killed and over 200 wounded, French TV ITele reported on Saturday.
 
There were already no matches scheduled this weekend in France's elite Ligue 1 soccer division.
 
France were playing Germany at the Stade de France when the Saint-Denis attack took place outside the stadium.
 
European Professional Cup Rugby said on Saturday that all Champions Cup and Challenge Cup games in France this weekend would be cancelled.
 
All basketball and volleyball matches in the country were also called off, their respective federations said.
 
The committee handling France's bid to host the 2024 summer games said: "As Parisians we stand in solidarity with the people of Paris and of France in uniting against these acts of terror."
 
The International Olympic Committee, based in Lausanne, said that the Olympic flag would be at half-mast.
 
"We stand united with all people from all around the globe. Our thoughts are of course with the families and friends of those who have been killed or wounded," the IOC said in a statement. "Today all people of goodwill will say: We are all French."   

England, France match to go ahead as planned

However, the soccer game between England and France in London will go ahead as planned on Tuesday, despite major concerns over safety following the deadly attacks in Paris.

The French Football Federation announced the decision on its website shortly before the English FA also released a statement.

"After consulting this morning with the French Football Federation and the British Government, we have decided together that the match between our two countries at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday night should go ahead," FA chairman Greg Dyke said. "We will use the opportunity to pay our respects to all affected and also to express our solidarity with the people of France."

The FA statement also says that the FFF "made it clear they still wish to play."

France beat Germany 2-0 in another friendly on Friday at the Stade de France but the game which was overshadowed by the events around the city.

There were two explosions outside the stadium itself during the first half and French President Francois Hollande, who was there watching the game, was evacuated and immediately held an emergency meeting.

France forward Antoine Griezmann said his sister was in the audience at a concert at the Bataclan hall in Paris, where dozens were killed after a hostage taking.

The Atletico Madrid striker wrote on Twitter: "Thank God my sister was able to leave the Bataclan. All my prayers are now with the families of the victims."

Girezmann was playing at the Stade de France on Friday night. Media events scheduled for Saturday at France's training camp in Clairefontaine have been canceled.