UEFA postpones Israel’s game against Belgium

Israel was scheduled to host Belgium in Jerusalem on Sept. 9. UEFA says it switched the game to March 31, at a venue to be confirmed later. (Bob Levey/AP)

NYON, Switzerland — UEFA has postponed Israel’s opening 2016 European Championship qualifying match against Belgium for security reasons.

Israel was scheduled to host Belgium in Jerusalem on Sept. 9. UEFA says it switched the game to March 31, at a venue to be confirmed later.

A UEFA ruling last month stopped any of its matches from being played in Israel during the conflict with Hamas militants in Gaza.

Israeli clubs have played Champions League and Europa League matches in Cyprus.

Israel’s Euro 2016 qualifying group also includes Andorra, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Cyprus and Wales.

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