Brussels, Belgium — In a shocking turn of events, the much-anticipated 2024 European Championship qualifying match between Belgium and Sweden was abruptly abandoned due to a suspected terrorist attack near King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels on Monday evening.
Two Swedish fans tragically lost their lives in the incident.
The governing body of European football, UEFA, confirmed the match’s abandonment in an official statement, expressing their deep concern over the unfortunate circumstances.
The statement reads, “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.”
The incident unfolded just prior to the commencement of the high-stakes match, with the stadium filled to capacity, housing thousands of enthusiastic Belgian and Swedish supporters. While the game did initially kick off, it was later halted when players from both teams unanimously agreed during halftime not to return for the second half, ultimately bringing the match to a sudden end.
The suspected terrorist attack, which claimed the lives of two Swedish fans, took place approximately three miles from the King Baudouin Stadium.
Authorities responded swiftly, implementing a lockdown in the area to ensure the safety of all those present. UEFA has announced that additional information will be disseminated in due course as investigations continue.
Local media reports have indicated that the assailant carried out the shooting on behalf of the terrorist organization known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). Legal authorities have since confirmed that they are treating this horrific incident as an act of terrorism.
Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, in conjunction with local media outlets, has sadly confirmed that the victims of this tragic incident were of Swedish nationality.
As a result of this shocking attack and in solidarity with other Western nations, Belgium has raised its terrorism alert level to the highest degree.
This decision is believed to be associated with the ongoing conflict between the State of Israel and the terror group Hamas, which has escalated following recent attacks in Israel.
Nations worldwide, particularly those that have shown support for Israel, are now bracing themselves for the possibility of retaliatory attacks by individuals sympathetic to the cause of Hamas. The incident near King Baudouin Stadium has sent shockwaves through the international community, leaving football fans and security forces on high alert as they navigate these unsettling times.
