Belgium says it won’t host a UEFA Nations League match against Israel in September because of the “dramatic situation in Gaza” that creates a security headache for city officials, APA reports citing Al Jazeera.
Brussels’s first alderman Benoit Hellings said the city believes that organising the match, which was scheduled to take place at the Stade Roi Baudouin in Brussels on September 6, is “not possible”.
Hellings said Brussels officials discussed thoroughly the possibility of hosting the match with the federal government, police forces and the Belgian football federation (URBSFA).
“Today, it is clear that the announcement of such a match being held in our capital will undoubtedly provoke major demonstrations, compromising the safety of spectators, players, residents and our police forces alike,” he said in a statement.
“The Red Devils’ matches have always been moments of unity and togetherness. The humanitarian and security situation in Gaza and its repercussions force the [city] to inform the URBSFA that it is not possible to organise this match at the Stade Roi Baudouin.”
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