RismadarVoice Reporters, September 2, 2026
A Belgian mayor has refused to allow an Israeli football club to play a Europa League fixture in his city, forcing Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise to search for an alternative venue.
Leuven Mayor Mohamed Ridouani said the city would not approve the October 22 match against Israeli champions Hapoel Beer-Sheva, citing concerns over public safety.
Union Saint-Gilloise had planned to use a stadium in Leuven for its European home fixtures because its own ground in Brussels does not meet UEFA requirements for continental competitions.
Ridouani announced his decision on Monday, saying his position was consistent with Leuven’s previous refusal to host matches involving Israeli national teams.
He maintained that the security concerns would remain even if the fixture were played without spectators.
UEFA said on Tuesday that it had been formally informed of the city’s position regarding the Europa League fixture.
The European governing body said the responsibility for finding another venue rests with Union Saint-Gilloise, adding that the replacement stadium would be announced in the coming days.
The situation comes amid UEFA’s policy following the Hamas attacks on Israel in October 2023, under which Israeli clubs and national teams have been required to play their home European fixtures at neutral venues.
Hapoel Beer-Sheva has already played its home matches in Hungary and Romania during this season’s Champions League qualifying campaign.
However, the relocation of an Israeli team’s away fixture is considered unusual.
Union Saint-Gilloise, the Belgian league runners-up, had been drawn to host Hapoel Beer-Sheva as part of the 36-team Europa League competition.
The Belgian club will now have to secure a venue that meets UEFA standards and receives the necessary approval ahead of the October fixture.
