Federal Public Service Home Affairs

The prevention campaign on the use of pyrotechnics in football was launched in 2023 by the Federal Public Service Home Affairs (IBZ), in collaboration with the Pro League and the Burns Foundation. This campaign focuses on raising awareness about the dangers of pyrotechnic materials in and around football stadiums.

Why this campaign?

The use of fireworks, smoke bombs, and flares has been a persistent problem in Belgian professional football for many years. Pyrotechnics not only cause disturbances, but also lead to:

  • **Burn injuries (1st to 3rd degree)**

  • Hearing damage and respiratory issues

  • Panic and unsafe situations in crowded stands

Due to the increase in incidents (+22% in 2023), the FPS considered a public-oriented prevention campaign necessary.

Objective of the prevention campaign

  • Raising awareness among football fans about the risks of pyrotechnics
  • Countering the normalization and “glorification” of fireworks, e.g., on social media
  • Making young people aware of the physical and legal consequences
  • Giving victims a face within the campaign

The approach to tackling unsafe pyrotechnic use in stadiums is a broad, multi-phase interplay of legislation, research, education, enforcement, and technological innovation. In this process, the government, the Burns Centre, the football association, and the clubs each play a crucial role — with both the ambition and the potential to achieve a lasting shift in mentality.