The Euro 2024 qualification match in Brussels between Belgium and Sweden on Monday night had to be prematurely concluded at half-time following a tragic incident where two Swedish citizens, reportedly clad in football shirts, were fatally shot near Saincteletteplein, situated north of the city center.
Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo expressed his condolences on social media, extending sympathy to the Swedish Prime Minister and emphasizing the collective effort in combating terrorism as close partners.
At the time of abandonment, the match, held at the Stade Roi Baudouin, was tied at 1-1. Despite this, an announcement in the stadium conveyed the players’ decision not to continue the game. Security measures were implemented, detaining supporters within the stadium due to an ongoing security operation and the assailant still being at large. The terror alert in Brussels was elevated to the highest level.
UEFA confirmed the match suspension at half-time, citing security concerns in their live blog. In a subsequent statement, UEFA declared that, in light of a suspected terrorist attack in Brussels, and following consultations with both teams and local police authorities, the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying match between Belgium and Sweden was officially abandoned