Belgium World Cup dream spells doom for Heysel Stadium

Heysel Stadium in Brussels was spared after tragedy in 1985 but Belgium’s dream of hosting the soccer World Cup in 2018 means it is now marked for destruction. The name Heysel evokes memories of the 39 mostly Italians killed when a wall collapsed after Liverpool fans charged Juventus supporters before the 1985 European Cup Final.

Belgium spent around $50 million on a total overhaul in the ensuing decade in the build-up to Euro 2000 when the ground, renamed after former King Baudouin, hosted several matches including a semi-final. However, the stadium, venue of seven European club competition finals, is no longer up to scratch.

European soccer body UEFA says it does not meet the standards of an elite venue, meaning it cannot host a Champions League final. “We made a mistake. It was not only down to the political decision-makers but the sporting associations as well. It’s only 2007 and the stadium cannot be used. It’s crazy,” said Alain Courtois, who leads the Belgian football association’s bid to host the 2018 World Cup. “It means Belgium is not in the position to organise a big international event,” he said.

Belgium’s chance of co-hosting the World Cup with the Dutch relies on it being able to boast a more gleaming and impressive structure.