The Euro 2024 qualifier match between Belgium and Sweden was halted and ultimately canceled after two Swedes were fatally shot in Brussels earlier on Monday, according to UEFA. The terrorist alert level in Belgium was raised to its highest point after a man claiming to be the attacker and affiliated with the Islamic State made a video confession on social media.
UEFA, in a statement on their website, announced the abandonment of the match, stating, “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.”
Swedish journalists present at the game were informed of the incident just before the national anthems were played. Sweden’s team expressed their unwillingness to continue playing the second half, a sentiment that was shared by the Belgian team, TV6 reported.
The score was tied at 1-1 when news of the suspension reached the stadium. Swedish fans were requested to stay in the venue as authorities examined options to safely escort them out, according to a post by Crisis Centre Belgium on social media platform X.
Swedish media reported that the two victims were wearing Sweden shirts at the time of the shooting. “I feel completely shocked,” said Sweden fan Pernilla Califf to Aftonbladet newspaper. “We don’t understand anything. Everyone is taking off their Swedish shirts and changing into neutral clothes. This is really unpleasant.”
Belgium had already qualified for the Euro 2024 finals in Germany, while Sweden’s hopes were dashed after Austria drew 1-1 with Azerbaijan earlier on Monday.
Philip O’Connor reported on the incident, with additional reporting by Tommy Lund. The article was edited by Hugh Lawson.
