The mayor of the Belgian city of Leuven, Mohamed Ridouani, has refused to allow his city to host Israeli club Hapoel Beer-Sheva for a Europa League match, forcing Union Saint-Gilloise to find an alternative venue.

Union, which competed in the UEFA Champions League last season, was due to host the Israeli champions on October 22 after the 36-team Europa League draw was made last Friday.

The Belgian league runners-up wanted to play all four home games in Leuven because their own stadium in Brussels does not meet UEFA standards for European competitions. However, Mayor Ridouani said Monday evening that the city will not grant permission for the game “for the sake of public safety,” even in an empty stadium.

Ridouani said his position was consistent with not allowing Belgium’s national teams to play games against Israel in Leuven. UEFA said Tuesday it had been informed about the city’s position and that “it’s the duty of the host club to find an alternative venue,” with the stadium change “known in the coming days.”

Since the Hamas attacks on Israel in October 2023, UEFA has required Israeli clubs and national teams to play home games in neutral countries. Hapoel Beer-Sheva played home games in Hungary and Romania in Champions League qualifying this season. However, it is rare for Israeli teams’ away games to be moved.

Source: www.aljazeera.com