The German Interior Minister has told a press conference the Germany vs Netherlands match was cancelled after a “credible threat” was pieced together earlier this evening.
The HDI Arena in Hannover was initially evacuated shortly before 7pm local time - 90 minutes before the friendly match was due to kick off.
But as spectators began to leave the stadium, it was announced the match had been cancelled due to security concerns.
It was later reported a suspicious package - believed to be a suitcase - was found at the stadium. It was also reported an ambulance "packed with explosives" was found parked nearby.
But it was revealed at this evening's press conference that no explosives had been found.
Thomas de Maziere declined to tell the conference any further details about the nature of the threat or the source of where the information had come from.
But he added today was “a sad day for Germany” as the match was “supposed to be a show of unity against terrorism”.
The Guardian reported German news agency DPA said the information about the attack had come from a foreign intelligence service.
The decision to cancel the match was supported by Chancellor Angela Merkel who was due to attend the game, Mr de Maziere said.
No arrests have currently been made and international minister for Lower Saxony Boris Pistorius said no explosives had been found despite earlier claims an ambulance filled with explosives had been discovered outside the HDI Arena.
The cancellation of the friendly match comes just four days after the attacks in Paris which killed at least 129 people.
