League: Champions League Sport: Soccer Country: Global Category: Scores & Results

Leuven mayor blocks Union Saint-Gilloise from hosting Hapoel Beer-Sheva match

2 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 1, 2026, 6:35 PM

Last updated Sep 1, 2026

Leuven mayor blocks Union Saint-Gilloise from hosting Hapoel Beer-Sheva match

Summary

The mayor of Leuven, Mohamed Ridouani, has denied permission for Union Saint-Gilloise to host their Europa League match against Hapoel Beer-Sheva on October 22. Citing public safety concerns, the city will not allow the fixture to take place, even if played in an empty stadium. The decision aligns with the city's previous policy of barring Belgian national team games against Israel from being held in the city. Union Saint-Gilloise intended to use the venue as their home base for European competitions because their own Brussels stadium does not meet UEFA standards. UEFA confirmed it has received notification of the city’s stance and stated that finding an alternative venue remains the responsibility of the host club. Israeli club and national teams have played home matches in neutral countries since October 2023, though it remains rare for away games to be relocated.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Union Saint-Gilloise must find a new venue for their October 22 Europa League match.
•Leuven mayor Mohamed Ridouani cited public safety for refusing to host Hapoel Beer-Sheva.
•Union Saint-Gilloise's home stadium in Brussels does not meet UEFA competition standards.
•UEFA expects the club to identify an alternative host site in the coming days.

Latest Updates

6:35 PMYahoo Sports — Belgian mayor blocks club from hosting Israeli opponent in Europa League
5:54 PMYahoo Sports — Belgian soccer club blocked by mayor from hosting Israeli opponent in Europa League

What they're saying

"
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. Union is due to host the Israeli champion on Oct. 22 after the 36-team Europa League draw was made last Friday. The Belgian league runner-up wanted to play all four of its home games in Leuven because its own stadium in Brussels does not meet UEFA standards for European competitions.
— Yahoo Sports