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High security as Israel face France in Paris football match

A total of 4,000 police and members of the security forces will be stationed in Paris and around the stadium, where the athletics and rugby sevens events were held during this year’s Olympics.

In a rare move, police will also be deployed inside the stadium in roles normally assigned to civilian security staff.

An elite police unit will guard the Israeli team as it travels to and from the stadium and another 1,600 civilian security personnel will be on duty.

The security context has clearly impacted the attendance, with only around 13,000 spectators expected in a venue that holds up to 80,000, French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau said on Wednesday.

Authorities say up to 20,000 tickets have been sold, but some ticketholders might stay away.

A French police source said around 100 Israeli fans would attend the match. They will travel on buses to avoid using the underground Metro system.

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