Belgium-Israel match cannot take place at Brussels' King Baudouin Stadium
The Nations League football match between Belgium and Israel scheduled for 6 September cannot take place at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels over concerns about safety, the city confirmed on Wednesday.
The Brussels authorities consider the security risk too great, given the Israel-Gaza war and the many demonstrations taking place in Brussels. "Given the dramatic situation in the Middle East, the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Brussels consider it impossible to organise a high-risk match on its territory," they said in a press release.
The authorities said they had been in talks for months with the Royal Belgian Football Association, the Brussels Capital Ixelles police zone and the federal government to assess the security implications of the match being played at the King Baudouin Stadium.
"After a careful and in-depth analysis, we have to conclude today that, in these particularly troubled times, the announcement of such a match in our capital will undoubtedly lead to large demonstrations and counter-demonstrations, compromising the safety of the spectators, the players, the people of Brussels and our police forces," the city said.
In May, the Belgian FA announced that the match would be played without fans present because of safety concerns.
© BELGA PHOTO BRUNO FAHY
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