The Nations League match between Belgium and Israel, scheduled for September 6, 2024, cannot take place at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels.
The Belgian National Team usually play there, but the City of Brussels considers it impossible to organize this high-risk match on its territory due to tensions linked to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. A press release was published this effect.
“After a conscientious and in-depth analysis, it is clear that the announcement of holding such a match in our capital during this particularly troubled period will undoubtedly provoke significant demonstrations and counter-demonstrations, thus compromising the security of spectators, players, Brussels residents, and our police forces,” the press release stated.
“The Red Devils’ matches at the King Baudouin Stadium have always been moments of unity. However, the humanitarian and security situation in Gaza and its numerous repercussions force the City of Brussels to notify the URBSFA (the Belgian Football Union) that organizing this match at the King Baudouin Stadium is not possible.”
Belgium is in Group A2 of the Nations League, alongside Israel, France, and Italy.
