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Leuven bans Union's European match against Hapoel Be’er Sheva

Union cannot play their Europa League match against Hapoel Be’er Sheva in Leuven due to a ban from the mayor.

1 September 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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Archive photo: Leuven bans Union's European match against Hapoel Be’er Sheva — Archive photoPhoto: Rijksmuseum · Wikimedia Commons · CC0

Union will not be able to host their home match in the Europa League against the Israeli club Hapoel Be’er Sheva in Leuven. This decision was made by the mayor of Leuven, Mohamed Ridouani, who has prohibited the match. According to the mayor, safety concerns related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are the reason for this ban.

Ridouani announced the decision during a city council meeting. He emphasized that he is consistent in this matter and that the safety of residents is paramount.

The mayor communicated through the club OH Leuven, where the match was to take place, that Union cannot hold the game at their venue. This means Union must look for an alternative location for the match.

The ban is a result of the recent escalations surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The decision aims to ensure public order and safety.

Besides the official statement from the mayor, it remains unclear what the exact impact on the organization of the match will be, as well as the locations that Union may consider for the fixture.

Union now needs to act quickly to find a suitable location that meets UEFA's requirements for Europa League matches.

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