Belgian Mayor Denies Israeli Soccer Club Venue Over Security Fears
The Europa League match between Union Saint-Gilloise and Hapoel Be'er Sheva, scheduled for October 22, will not be held in Leuven, Belgium. The city's mayor, Mohamed Ridouani, announced his refusal to host the Israeli club at the Den Dreef stadium, citing public security concerns.
Union Saint-Gilloise had selected the Leuven venue for its four home matches in the league phase because its own stadium, Joseph Marien, does not meet UEFA standards. The decision means the Brussels-based club must now find an alternative location to host the Israeli team.
Mayor Ridouani stated, "The Union is welcome here, but in this specific case, it concerns an Israeli team and I am consistent on this subject." He recalled previous instances where he denied requests for Belgian national teams, both men's and women's, to play against Israel in Leuven.
The mayor also dismissed the possibility of holding the match behind closed doors, believing that such a measure would not eliminate risks to public order, particularly due to potential gatherings outside the stadium.
Union Saint-Gilloise acknowledged the decision and is currently in discussions with relevant authorities to secure a new venue for the game.
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