Brussels refuses to host Israel game over security fears

Israel and Belgium last faced each other in a Euro 2016 qualifier at the King Baudouin Stadium in October 2015

The Royal Belgian Football Association "deplores" the city of Brussels' decision not to stage Belgium's Nations League game with Israel on 6 September.

The RBFA says it had "accepted" the game "would in all likelihood be played without an audience" at the King Baudouin Stadium in the Belgian capital.

But earlier on Wednesday, the municipal government of Brussels said it "considers it impossible" to stage the game there at all over security fears.

The Israel-Gaza conflict has sparked global demonstrations, including in Belgium.

The RBFA says it is "looking for a solution to enable us to play the match at home".

"We are in contact with several towns and cities and the security services," it adds.

Most of the home fixtures for the Belgian national team are played at the King Baudouin Stadium.

The RBFA says: "Fans always give our players a boost so we like to play our home games in an enthusiastic King Baudouin Stadium.

"However, we understand - and share - the concerns around the situation in Israel and Palestine, and the security implications, so we knew that the home match against Israel would in all likelihood be played without an audience, and had accepted that. Security comes first, always.

"However, we deplore the decision taken by the city of Brussels not to hold the match at our home ground at all."

In its statement, the city of Brussels said: "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."