UEFA on Thursday declared that the end result of the European Championship qualifying match between Belgium and Sweden, which had been abruptly halted this week following the tragic deaths of two Swedish followers earlier than kickoff, would stand as a 1-1 draw.
The choice to conclude the match at halftime was a unanimous one, with each the Belgian and Swedish soccer federations concurring that the 1-1 scoreline ought to be the ultimate consequence.
The assertion from the Belgian Federation expressed satisfaction with this decision.
In the phrases of UEFA, “the result of this match does not impact the qualification of Group F.”
Belgium had already secured their place within the event set to be hosted in Germany subsequent yr earlier than their encounter with Sweden.
The Red Devils at present lead the group, adopted by Austria, who had additionally confirmed their qualification.
Manu Leroy, the interim CEO of the Belgian FA, eloquently mirrored on the incident, 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.”
The tragic assault that led to the match’s halt stays beneath investigation, with authorities working to uncover the motive behind the surprising incident.
The assault passed off not removed from the King Baudouin stadium, the place the qualifier was scheduled.
On Tuesday, regulation enforcement within the Belgian capital confronted and fatally shot the suspect.
He was held liable for the heinous act, which claimed the lives of three Swedish followers, leaving two of them useless.
The attacker had posted a web based video wherein he claimed accountability for the assault and cited the Quran as a “red line for which he is ready to sacrifice himself.”
Hakan Sjostrand, the CEO of the Swedish FA, expressed aid at UEFA’s choice, stating: “We are pleased to hear that UEFA has come to a decision and that the decision is in line with what both federations wished for. However, sporting matters are secondary; our thoughts are with the victims and their families.”
In a touching tribute to the 2 followers who tragically misplaced their lives, a second of silence shall be noticed at soccer matches in each Belgium and Sweden.
The Belgian league has additionally pledged to honor the reminiscence of the victims by initiating all video games on the subsequent matchday with a minute of silence.
The league acknowledged, “This minute of silence will take place at both Belgian and Swedish football grounds.”
Source: www.dailysabah.com
