Belgium’s Home Match Against Israel in Nations League Moved to Hungary
In a move prompted by security concerns, Belgium’s home match against Israel in the Nations League will now take place behind closed doors in Debrecen, Hungary on 6 September. The Belgian Football Federation (RBFA) had to search for a new venue after the city of Brussels deemed it “impossible” to host the fixture due to security fears. Other Belgian cities also refused to host the match. The ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict has sparked global demonstrations, including in Belgium, which led to the reluctance of local authorities to organize the game.
The RBFA explained, “Given that in Belgium, no local authority considered it possible to organize the home match of the Red Devils against Israel, the RBFA had to look for a solution abroad.” Typically, most of the home fixtures for the Belgian national team are played at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels. However, concerns over security have been heightened since October when a gunman killed two Swedish people before a Euro 2024 qualifier between Belgium and Sweden at the stadium. The match was abandoned at half-time for security reasons. Initially, Belgian prosecutors did not find a direct link between the attack and the Israel-Gaza war, but they later acknowledged that such a connection could not be entirely ruled out.
Belgium finds itself in Nations League Group A2 alongside France, Italy, and Israel. The conflict between Israel and Palestine has spilled over into discussions surrounding international football competitions as well. The Palestinian Football Association (PFA) has submitted a proposal to FIFA to suspend Israel from competing on the international stage. The PFA made its case in May, but FIFA has deferred making a final decision until after the Paris Olympics, which will run from 26 July to 11 August. FIFA has stated that legal discussions related to the case will be shared with its council on 31 August. The PFA’s request for an extension to submit their positions has been granted by FIFA, indicating that the governing body is taking the matter seriously and wants to ensure a thorough and comprehensive decision.
While the RBFA has been forced to move their match against Israel due to security concerns, Israel itself is looking ahead to the 2024 Olympics. They have been drawn into a group with Mali, Paraguay, and Japan for the group phase of the tournament. This presents an opportunity for Israel to showcase its footballing talent on the international stage.
Overall, the decision to move the Belgium-Israel match to Hungary highlights the impact that ongoing conflicts and security concerns can have on international sports events. It also underscores the role of football as a platform for political discussions and tensions. The case of FIFA considering the PFA’s proposal to suspend Israel from international competition further demonstrates the complexities and broader implications that arise when sport and politics intersect. As FIFA continues its deliberations and receives legal input, it is clear that careful consideration is necessary to ensure a fair and just outcome.