Leuven Mayor Mohamed Ridouani stated on Monday evening that the city would not approve the Europa League match between Belgian team Union Saint-Gilloise and Israeli team Hapoel Beer-Sheva, scheduled for October 22, even if played behind closed doors. UEFA was informed of Leuven's position on Tuesday and stated that the home team is responsible for finding an alternative venue. Since the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023, UEFA has mandated that all Israeli club and national team home matches in European competitions must be played in neutral countries, but requests for away matches to be relocated are rare.