The soccer friendly between Belgium and Spain scheduled for yesterday in Brussels was canceled on the recommendation of the national crisis center following the attacks in Paris, official sources said.
The center, which is run by the Belgian Ministry of the Interior, recommended the cancelation of the match after the terrorist threat level on Monday was raised to three, or “severe,” for the whole nation, representing a possible and credible threat, according to a statement.
“This threat particularly concerns heavily populated places,” it said.
Photo: AP
“A visible and reinforced police presence was requested for all major events with increased awareness at each. All citizens are also requested to be vigilant,” the center added.
The Belgian Football Association also confirmed the cancelation.
“At the end of the evening, the Belgian FA has been contacted by the government, which has made the recommendation not to have the Belgium-Spain match on Tuesday evening,” the association said, as quoted by the Belga news agency.
“In consultation with the competent authorities and the Spanish national team, the Belgian FA has decided to cancel the meeting,” it added.
“We deeply regret that a friendly match between two motivated teams is canceled so late and we understand the disappointment of many supporters,” it said.
“In view of these exceptional circumstances, we cannot however take any risk in security matters for our players and supporters,” it added.
Nearly 50,000 people were expected for the clash.
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