UEFA, the governing body of football in Europe, announced on Thursday that the result of the European Championship qualifying game between Belgium and Sweden will stand. The match was abandoned after two Swedish fans were tragically killed prior to kickoff. Despite calls to replay the match or declare it void, both the Belgian and Swedish Football Federations have agreed to accept the final result.
The decision made by UEFA highlights the greater importance of the tragic events that occurred before the match. The Belgian federation expressed their satisfaction with the decision, acknowledging that football was put into perspective by the senseless act of violence. Manu Leroy, the interim CEO of the Belgian FA, emphasized this sentiment, stating, “Football should be a celebration but on Monday night a cowardly act decided otherwise. At such a moment, when the football family is struck in its heart, sporting results are secondary.”
Investigators are still working to determine the motive behind the attack that took place near the King Baudouin stadium where the qualifier was scheduled. The suspect, who was shot and killed by authorities in Brussels, claimed responsibility for the attack in a video posted online. He brazenly referred to the Quran as a “red line” for which he was willing to sacrifice himself. The incident has sent shockwaves through the football community, raising concerns about safety and the potential consequences for future events.
Both Belgium and Sweden will observe a moment of silence at their respective games as a tribute to the two fans who tragically lost their lives. The Belgian league has announced that all matches on the next matchday will begin with a minute of silence in honor of the Swedish football fans who were victims of this act of terrorism.
While the decision to uphold the abandoned match result may be seen as controversial to some, it reflects the understanding that the tragedy that unfolded goes beyond the realm of football. The focus now should be on supporting the victims’ families and ensuring the safety of fans and players going forward. As Håkan Sjöstrand, the CEO of the Swedish FA, aptly stated, “sporting matters are secondary, our thoughts are with the victims and their families. That innocent Swedish supporters became targets of terrorism is shocking and it is hard to foresee what the consequences will be for the future.”
In times like these, it is essential for the football community to come together and unite against acts of violence and hatred. Football should always be a platform for joy, unity, and celebration. The tragedy that unfolded before the Belgium vs Sweden match serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of valuing the things that truly matter.
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