Brussels Refuses to Host Match Against Israel: "Too Risky"

Brussels and King Baudouin Stadium will not host the Belgian men's national team's Nations League home premiere against Israel on 6 September due to the security situation.

» Updated:

» Published:

Brussels Refuses to Host Match Against Israel: "Too Risky"
Photo: Omar Havana/AP/TT

Share this article

Brussels and the King Baudouin Stadium will not host the Belgian national team's Nations League home premiere against Israel on 6 September due to the security situation.

The announcement comes a month after the Belgian Football Association stopped ticket sales for the match. It is not clear where the match will be played instead.

The implementation of a match like this in our capital will undoubtedly provoke large demonstrations and risk the safety of spectators, players, residents, and police, says Brussels' Mayor Benoit Helings.

The authorities in the Belgian capital have withdrawn their hosting duties due to the security situation and the war in Gaza. Hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators have been protesting against the war and occupying parts of Brussels' streets since the war broke out.

Last year, the European Championship qualifying match between Belgium and Sweden at the King Baudouin Stadium was interrupted after an armed man shot and killed two Swedish supporters on the open street before kick-off.

Belgium's remaining two home matches in the NL group stage, against France and Italy in October, are scheduled to take place in Brussels as planned.

Tags

Author

TTT
By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

More news

Messi Reportedly Extends Inter Miami Contract Beyond 2026

Messi Reportedly Extends Inter Miami Contract Beyond 2026

Björn Borg Criticizes Jannik Sinner for Rehiring Physical Trainer

Björn Borg Criticizes Jannik Sinner for Rehiring Physical Trainer

Son Heung-Min Shines with Hat-Trick for Los Angeles FC in MLS

Son Heung-Min Shines with Hat-Trick for Los Angeles FC in MLS

Björn Borg Discusses Life After Tennis and New Autobiography

Björn Borg Discusses Life After Tennis and New Autobiography

FIA President Open to Russia's Return as Formula 1 Host

FIA President Open to Russia's Return as Formula 1 Host

Olympic Bronze Medalist Fred Kerley to Compete in Enhanced Games

Olympic Bronze Medalist Fred Kerley to Compete in Enhanced Games

Simeone Calls for Better Protection for Coaches After Outburst

Simeone Calls for Better Protection for Coaches After Outburst

Mikael Backlund Signs Two-Year Contract Extension with Calgary Flames

Mikael Backlund Signs Two-Year Contract Extension with Calgary Flames

Amo HK Stuns Sävehof for First Victory in Five Years

Amo HK Stuns Sävehof for First Victory in Five Years

Bodø/Glimt Secures Draw in Champions League Debut Against Slavia Prague

Bodø/Glimt Secures Draw in Champions League Debut Against Slavia Prague

Isak Debuts for Liverpool in 3-2 Champions League Win Over Atlético

Isak Debuts for Liverpool in 3-2 Champions League Win Over Atlético

Västerås IK Names Six Captains for Upcoming Hockey Allsvenskan Season

Västerås IK Names Six Captains for Upcoming Hockey Allsvenskan Season

Taylor Townsend Apologizes for Chinese Food Joke

Taylor Townsend Apologizes for Chinese Food Joke

Finland Faces Historic Javelin Setback at World Championships

Finland Faces Historic Javelin Setback at World Championships

Finland Faces Historic Javelin Setback at World Championships

Finland Faces Historic Javelin Setback at World Championships

Pihlström Finishes Eleventh in Tokyo World Championship 1500m

Pihlström Finishes Eleventh in Tokyo World Championship 1500m

Lamine Yamal to Miss Barcelona's Champions League Opener vs Newcastle

Lamine Yamal to Miss Barcelona's Champions League Opener vs Newcastle

Edlund's Boil Disrupts 400m Hurdles at World Championship

Edlund's Boil Disrupts 400m Hurdles at World Championship

Thobias Montler Frustrated by Hurdle Races Disrupting Long Jump Performance

Thobias Montler Frustrated by Hurdle Races Disrupting Long Jump Performance

Government Allocates Half a Billion Kronor for Sports Facilities Expansion

Government Allocates Half a Billion Kronor for Sports Facilities Expansion