# Union Saint-Gilloise stadium hosting arrangements

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/union-saint-gilloise-stadium-hosting-arrangements
> Updated: 2026-09-01T11:47:38.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Union Saint-Gilloise announced that it would play its Europa League home matches at Den Dreef in Leuven because its own Joseph Marien Stadium does not meet UEFA requirements. The club noted that this arrangement mirrors its 2022-2023 European campaign.

However, Leuven Mayor Mohamed Ridouani later denied the club permission to host its October 22 match against the Israeli club Hapoel Be’er Sheva at Den Dreef. Ridouani stated the match cannot take place at the venue because “security cannot be guaranteed.”

The restriction is specific to the fixture against Hapoel Be’er Sheva; the club remains permitted to host matches against Celtic, Real Sociedad, and Lech Poznan at the Leuven stadium. Union Saint-Gilloise is currently seeking an alternative location for the disputed match.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-01: Leuven Mayor denies Union Saint-Gilloise use of Den Dreef for Israeli club match

Leuven Mayor Mohamed Ridouani has blocked Union Saint-Gilloise from hosting their European match against Hapoel Be’er Sheva at Den Dreef, citing inability to guarantee security.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/leuven-mayor-denies-union-saint-gilloise-use-of-den-dreef-for-israeli-club-match

### 2026-08-24: Union Saint-Gilloise to play Europa League home games in Leuven

Union Saint-Gilloise will host its Europa League home matches at Den Dreef in Leuven because its Joseph Marien Stadium does not meet UEFA requirements.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/union-saint-gilloise-to-play-europa-league-home-games-in-leuven

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Cite as: Union Saint-Gilloise stadium hosting arrangements. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/union-saint-gilloise-stadium-hosting-arrangements