Belgian football match called off due to swine flu

BRUSSELS – It was the first time a professional football match had been suspended in the country due to the virus.

Four US Centre players have contracted the H1N1 virus and eight others could be infected, the Belga agency reported.

Eight people have died from the disease to date in Belgium, where a vaccination campaign primarily aimed at high-risk groups was due to begin on Saturday.

Marseille’s French first division clash with Paris Saint-Germain two weeks ago is the most high-profile European match to be called off due to swine flu to date.

The highly anticipated encounter was postponed on the morning of the game after three PSG players were confirmed to have contracted the virus and will now take place on November 20.

Inter Milan’s Champions League group stage match at Dynamo Kiev on Wednesday took place amid tight sanitary controls, with fans wearing protective face-masks, after a rapid swine flu outbreak in Ukraine.

AFP/Expatica