Belgium vs Portugal: International friendly venue rearranged following Brussels attacks

Rearranged: Belgium will travel to Portugal for next week's friendly
FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images
Sam Long23 March 2016

Belgium's upcoming international friendly against Portugal will be staged in Leiria rather than at Brussels' King Baudouin Stadium following Tuesday's attacks.

The death toll is estimated to be 34 and Islamic State have claimed responsibly for the series of explosions which struck Zaventem Airport and Maalbeek Metro Station.

Marc Wilmots' side were scheduled to play Portugal in a Euro 2016 warm-up on Tuesday March 29 and the Belgian FA initially announced they had decided to cancel the game for 'security reasons'.

But, after liaising with the Portuguese Football Federation, the fixture has now been rearranged and will take place in Portugal.

A statement on the Belgian FA's website said: "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."

Belgium will train behind closed doors this afternoon, with their session not open to either supporters or the press.

The Belgium squad features a large number of Premier League-based players, many of whom took to social media to voice their opinions on the disturbing scenes.

The latest attacks have also led to concerns that this summer's Euro 2016 tournament, which is set to be staged in France, could become a target.

Uefa vice-president Giancarlo Abete has suggested games could be staged behind closed doors amid heightened security.

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