Sweden vs Belgium Euro 2024 qualifier is canceled in Brussels after 2 deadly shootings
Sweden and Belgium The two countries met at the King Baudouin Stadium on the outskirts of the city, and the Euro 2024 Group F qualifier was abandoned at halftime when two persons were shot dead in Brussels prior to kickoff; reports stated the victims were wearing Swedish football shirts.
At halftime, the game was suspended with a score of 1-1, and spectators were instructed to stay inside King Baudouin Stadium “until security permits them to leave.”
“Following a suspected terrorist attack in Brussels this evening, it has been decided, after consultation with the two teams and the local police authorities, that the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying match between Belgium and Sweden is abandoned,” UEFA later confirmed in a statement. We will communicate further when the time is right.”
According to an earlier announcement made in Belgium’s national stadium, “The players decided they do not want to continue the game because of what happened earlier today in Brussels.”
More than 35,000 people cheered when the statement—which was delivered in English, French, Dutch, and Swedish—was made.
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According to Swedish broadcaster TV6, the Belgium team agreed with the Swedish players when they informed UEFA that they did not want to participate in the second half.
The gunman is still at large; the incident happened about three miles (5 km) from King Baudouin Stadium.
On Monday night, the city’s terror alert was upgraded to the highest level by Belgium’s National Crisis Center. It now ranks second highest for the entirety of Belgium.
The two individuals who were shot and killed on Monday night were verified to be Swedish citizens by Belgian Prime Minister Alexandre de Croo.
According to early accounts from Brussels, the shooting occurred at the King Baudouin Stadium on the outskirts of the city prior to the nations’ meeting. The two were reportedly wearing Swedish football shirts.
De Croo posted on X, saying, “In light of tonight’s terrifying attack on Swedish citizens in Brussels, I have just extended my heartfelt condolences to @SwedishPM.” We are praying for the friends and family that lost dear ones. We are intimate allies in the battle against terrorism.”
“Message to Swedish supporters on site in Brussels:” was a post from the Swedish Football Association. For security reasons, the Swedish supporters are asked to remain in the arena by the Belgian police. Participate in information provided on the spot by SvFF (Swedish Football Association) employees, authorities, and officials.
“We’ll be back as soon as we have fresh information from the Belgian authorities. Remain composed and look out for one another. We are praying for all the families of those impacted in Brussels.”
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