Israel President Shimon Peres has guaranteed that the European under-21 championship in Israel next year will be safer than if it was in London.
Peres and UEFA President Michel Platini were adamant at a meeting on Thursday that having the tournament hosted by Israel next summer was the right choice.
Peres, confident the event will proceed smoothly, says, ''When you come in June, it will be more secure and tranquil than a football game in London.''
Platini says he's proud Israel is the host, despite receiving ''many letters'' opposing Israel's bid. On Wednesday, he attended the under-21 draw in Tel Aviv and a Europa League game in Haifa to assuage skeptics after a bus bombing which wounded 27 people in Tel Aviv last week.
He says, ''We are very proud to come here. Football is a beautiful thing for peace.''
