Belgian Soccer Club Blocked by Mayor From Hosting Israeli Opponent in Europa League
Union Saint-Gilloise must find a new venue after Leuven’s mayor cited public safety in blocking the Europa League match, UEFA said Tuesday.
- On Monday evening, Leuven Mayor Mohamed Ridouani blocked the Oct. 22 Europa League match between Union Saint-Gilloise and Hapoel Beer-Sheva, refusing to grant permission even for an empty stadium.
- Union Saint-Gilloise, the Belgian league runner-up, planned to play all four of its home games in Leuven because its own Brussels stadium does not meet UEFA standards for European competitions.
- Ridouani stated his decision was consistent with his past refusal to host Belgium's national teams in matches against Israel, denying permission "for the sake of public safety" in Leuven.
- UEFA confirmed on Tuesday it was informed of the city's position, noting the host club must find an alternative venue with stadium changes expected in coming days.
- Since Oct. 2023, UEFA regulations have required Israeli clubs to play home games in neutral countries; Hapoel Beer-Sheva played qualifying matches in Hungary and Romania this season.
26 Articles
26 Articles
The mayor of a city in Belgium refused to host an Israeli team on the city court, in a match within the European League.
Daily Sabah
The Frontier PostBelgian mayor blocks city from hosting Israeli club
A Belgian mayor has refused to allow his city to host Israeli club Hapoel Beer-Sheva for a Europa League match, forcing Union Saint-Gilloise to seek an alternative venue for the fi...
The Toronto Star
Belgian soccer club blocked by mayor from hosting Israeli opponent in Europa League
BRUSSELS (AP) — A Belgian mayor is refusing to let his city host Israeli club Hapoel Beer-Sheva for a Europa League game, meaning Union Saint-Gilloise will need to find a new venue for the match.
European football is once again shaken by extreme left politics. Specifically, it has happened with the Europa League match between Union Saint-Gilloise and Hapoel Beer-Sheva. A match that, although not to be played until next October 22, is already threatened not to be played after the mayor of the city ... Continue reading "The Belgian PSOE forbids an Israeli team to enter the country to play a Europa League game"
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