Belgium-Sweden Match Abandoned After Two Swedes Shot Dead In Brussels

The Euro 2024 qualifier between Belgium and Sweden was suspended at halftime and subsequently abandoned following the fatal shooting of two Swedes in Brussels earlier on Monday, UEFA said.

The Swedish players informed UEFA at the half-time break that they did not want to play the second half. The Belgians agreed and, around half an hour later, the game was called off with the score at 1-1.

A statement from UEFA read: “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. Further communication will be made in due course.”

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Belgian broadcaster RTBF then suspended the broadcast while the Swedish fans inside the stadium were instructed to stay put for security reasons.

A post from the Swedish FA read: “Message to Swedish supporters on-site in Brussels: The Belgian police want Swedish supporters to stay in the arena for security reasons. Take part in information from officials, authorities and SvFF (Swedish Football Association) staff on site.”

The shooting in Brussels happened before the game’s evening kick-off. The victims were Swedish and wearing their nation’s football kit at the time, but it remains unclear if they were attending the game.

Belgium raised its terror alert to the highest level in Brussels after a man in a video on social media claimed responsibility for killings and said that he was from the Islamic State.