A Belgian mayor is refusing to allow his city to host a match between Israeli club Hapoel Beer-Sheva in the Europa League, forcing home side Union Saint-Gilloise to find a new venue.
Union Saint-Gilloise, a former UEFA Champions League participant last season, were scheduled to host the Israeli champions on October 22 after the 36-team Europa League group-stage draw took place on Friday.
The Belgian Pro League runners-up wanted to play all four home matches in Leuven because their stadium in Brussels does not meet UEFA standards for European competitions.
Leuven Mayor Mohamed Ridouani said on Monday evening that the city would not issue a permit for the match "for reasons of public safety," even if it were played behind closed doors.
Ridouani stressed that his stance aligns with the decision not to allow Belgian national teams to play matches against Israel in Leuven.
UEFA confirmed on Tuesday that it had been informed of the city's position regarding the Europa League fixture.
"It is the responsibility of the home club to find an alternative venue," UEFA said of Union's obligation, adding that the stadium change "will be announced in the coming days."
Since the Hamas attacks on Israel in October 2023, UEFA has enforced a rule requiring all Israeli clubs and national teams to play their home matches in European competitions on neutral territory. Hapoel Beer-Sheva have played their home matches in Hungary and Romania during this season's Champions League qualifying rounds.
Moving the venue of an Israeli team's away match is a rare occurrence.
