Brussels says hosting Belgium-Israel soccer match impossible due to insecurity

Staging an upcoming UEFA soccer match between Belgium and Israel in Brussels would be impossible due to insecurity and likely protests, the municipal government of the Belgian capital said on Wednesday.

"The city of Brussels considers it impossible to organise a Belgium-Israel match in the King Baudouin Stadium," it said in a statement.

"After a careful and in-depth analysis, we must conclude today that the announcement of such a match in our capital in these particularly troubled times will undoubtedly lead to large demonstrations and counter-demonstrations, jeopardising the safety of spectators, players, Brussels residents and our police forces."

The UEFA Nations League match is scheduled for 6 September 2024.

Israel's war in Gaza has sparked global demonstrations, including in Belgium where pro-Palestinian activists have organised protests and sit-ins at universities, leading to some Belgian universities partly or wholly severing ties with Israeli institutions.