ALBAWABA - The Belgian Football Association said on Friday that the Belgium vs. Israel UEFA Nations League match, which was originally scheduled to occur in Belgium, has been moved to Debrecen, Hungary, and will now take place without spectators.
The organization said, "Given that no local administration in Belgium found it feasible to host the Red Devils' match against Israel on Friday, September 6, the Royal Belgian Football Association had to seek an alternative venue abroad."
The game, which was scheduled to take place at King Baudouin Stadium as part of Group B's opening round, which also included France and Italy, was canceled on June 19 by Brussels officials because of security issues related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The match was judged "impossible to organize" by officials because of its high-risk character; other Belgian towns declined to host the event as well.
The mayor of Brussels issued the following statement: "Hosting such a match in our capital during this particularly turbulent period would undoubtedly spark large protests and counter-protests, jeopardizing the safety of spectators, players, Brussels residents, and our police forces."
The press release added, "The humanitarian and security situation in Gaza and its wide-ranging impacts compel the city of Brussels to notify the Belgian Football Association that organizing this match at King Baudouin Stadium in Laeken is not feasible."
