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Belgian fans pictured cheering on their team against Andorra last October. Manu Fernandez
Brussels

Belgium-Portugal soccer friendly moved from Brussels after terror attacks

The match takes place next Tuesday.

Updated 13.20pm

BELGIUM’S FRIENDLY INTERNATIONAL with Portugal, due to be played in Brussels next Tuesday, has been moved from the Belgian capital following the deadly explosions that rocked the city yesterday.

The game has instead been switched to the Portugal city of Leiria.

The Belgian Football Association has released the following statement today:

“Given the dramatic events of yesterday, in these difficult times to allow mass events to take place safely and given the terror level 4 at national level, the game against Portugal will not take place in Brussels next Tuesday.

“This was decided today in coordination with the authorities and the Portuguese Football Federation.

“The Board of Directors of the Belgian FA has, in agreement with the national coach and coaching staff, decided to accept the proposal of the Portuguese Football Federation to play this match in Leiria, on the same day and at the same time, Tuesday, March 29 at 20:45 (Belgian time).

“The Belgian FA appreciates the availability, flexibility and solutions offered by the Portuguese Federation.

“The FPF expresses its full solidarity with the Belgian FA in this tough and emotional period.

“This afternoon, our Belgian Red Devils will train behind closed doors at the King Baudouin Stadium (16:30). This training session will not be open to the supporters and the press.

“At 18:30, our national coach Marc Wilmots will give a press conference at the headquarters of the Belgian FA (Avenue Houba de Strooper 145, 1020 Brussels).”

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