Leuven mayor blocks Europa League match against Israeli club citing safety concerns

Leuven Mayor Mohamed Ridouani blocked the Europa League match between Union Saint-Gilloise and Hapoel Be’er Sheva in Leuven, citing public-safety concerns linked to the Gaza war and potential protests. He stressed that the decision was not a stance against Israel but a safety measure, and would not allow the game even behind closed doors. UEFA and Union must now seek an alternative venue, with the match previously scheduled for October 22 in Leuven, as Belgian authorities’ security considerations echo broader European debates over Israeli teams’ fixtures. Previous incidents in Europe have highlighted how political tensions surrounding Israel can disrupt football events, including past refusals to host Israeli teams in Leuven and other cities, and moves to neutral venues such as Hungary. The broader context notes that Israeli clubs’ home games in European competitions have increasingly been played in neutral countries since 2023 amid clashes and security concerns, while European clubs and fans grapple with policing, protests, and potential clashes. The situation places Union Saint-Gilloise in a position to find a suitable neutral venue, with potential options reportedly including Hungary or Romania.