Belgian City Denies Israeli Soccer Team Entry Over Security Concerns

The Belgian football club Union Saint-Gilloise is urgently seeking an alternative venue for its Europa League home match against Israel's Hapoel Be'er Sheva. The mayor of Leuven, Mohamed Ridouani, has officially stated that the Israeli team will not be permitted to play in his city, citing public safety concerns. Ridouani indicated that the match would be impossible even if played behind closed doors, emphasizing that while visiting teams are usually welcome, the stance regarding the Israeli team is fundamentally different.

The need for a neutral venue arose because Union's home stadium in Brussels does not meet UEFA's stringent standards for European competition matches. The club had arranged to use a stadium in Leuven, but the mayor's decision has disrupted these plans. With less than two months until the October 22nd game, the club faces a tight deadline to find a suitable facility that can pass all necessary approvals.

Mayor Ridouani has a history of strong anti-Israeli public statements, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict. In the spring of 2025, the Leuven city council, under his leadership, called for a ceasefire, displayed the PLO flag at city hall, and sent humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The Belgian team's management must now urgently address logistical challenges to avoid technical issues in hosting the group stage match of the prestigious European tournament.