Liège, Belgium – Standard de Liège has received a significant boost ahead of the 2026-2027 season, with the Union belge’s Auditorat recommending the club be granted both a professional and European license. This positive development comes as a direct result of improved financial stability under the leadership of CEO Giacomo Angelini and his management team, marking a turning point for the historically significant Belgian club.
For years, Standard Liège navigated a precarious financial landscape, particularly during the ownership of 777 Partners. Concerns mounted regarding the club’s long-term viability, but the recent changes in leadership have demonstrably improved the situation. The club announced on Monday that the Auditorat’s report highlighted the club’s diligent adherence to a monthly financial monitoring program imposed over the past year, and noted “significant progress” since the change in ownership.
Financial Turnaround Under Angelini
The arrival of Giacomo Angelini as CEO, alongside Pierre François and Marc Wilmots, has been instrumental in stabilizing the club’s finances. A strategic capital increase of €28.7 million in May of last year was a critical step, effectively eliminating the club’s debt to its previous owner, A-CAP. This move, formalized through a shareholders’ agreement signed on June 6th, transferred full ownership of Standard de Liège and Immobilière Standard de Liège to a holding company established by Angelini. The club is now free from a substantial portion of its structural liabilities, positioning it to address both sporting and economic challenges.
Nils Van Brantegem of the Union belge’s Auditorat specifically commended Standard Liège for its consistent compliance with the imposed financial monitoring. The Auditorat’s conclusion, as reported by Walfoot, recommends the Commission des Licences grant the club its licenses for the upcoming season. This recommendation is a strong indication of the positive impact of the recent changes.
License Secured, No Further Hearings Required
Crucially, the club will not be required to appear before the Commission des Licences to further explain its financial position. According to the club’s official statement, “Our club does not have to provide any further explanation on any point and is therefore not subject to the obligation to appear at the hearing of the Licensing Committee.” This streamlined process underscores the confidence the Union belge has in Standard Liège’s current financial health.
Licence 2026-2027. 📝
ℹ️ https://t.co/eDY3bwrD4p pic.twitter.com/sBvFwnDjsX
— Standard de Liège (@Standard_RSCL) March 23, 2026
The positive news arrives as a welcome relief for supporters of the Rouches (the Red Devils), who have witnessed a period of instability in recent years. Although on-field performance hasn’t yet fully reflected the off-field improvements, the financial foundation is now demonstrably stronger. This allows the club to focus on long-term stability, sustainable development, and ambitious sporting goals.
Giacomo Angelini’s leadership is also focused on attracting further investment to secure the club’s future. The capital increase provides a platform for seeking out new investors, ensuring the long-term financial health and sporting ambitions of Standard de Liège are met. Angelini’s profile on LinkedIn highlights his commitment to the club and his extensive network, suggesting a proactive approach to securing additional funding.
The club’s official announcement emphasized the importance of this step, stating that it allows Standard de Liège to “enter a new era, freed from a major part of its structural liabilities and better equipped to face the sporting and economic challenges of tomorrow.”
Standard Liège will officially receive confirmation of its licenses in the coming days. The club’s next confirmed fixture is yet to be announced, but supporters can follow official updates on the club’s website and social media channels.
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