The Belgian Cup final between RSC Anderlecht and Union Saint-Gilloise will not be broadcast on traditional television for the first time in the competition’s history, with rights holder DAZN confirming the match will be available exclusively through its app. This development has sparked political backlash in Flanders, where media regulations require events of significant public interest to be accessible via terrestrial television.
According to reports from Het Belang van Limburg and Het Laatste Nieuws, DAZN failed to secure a television broadcast partner for the Croky Cup final despite outreach to Flemish broadcasters including VTM, and Sporza. While interest was expressed in Flanders, no agreement was reached on terms, leaving the DAZN app as the sole viewing option. In Wallonia, broadcasters showed little to no interest in acquiring the rights.
The match will be streamed free of charge on the DAZN app, a departure from the platform’s usual subscription model. However, this arrangement has raised legal questions under Belgium’s media decree, which mandates that events of considerable societal importance — such as national cup finals — must be made available on free-to-air television for the Flemish Community.
Cieltje Van Achter, the Flemish Minister of Media from the N-VA party, has publicly criticized the situation, stating that the absence of a television broadcast violates the media decree. She has called for clarity from the Flemish media regulator, emphasizing that the legal obligation to broadcast such events on TV remains in force despite the rights holder’s inability to secure a deal.
The legal framework in question has been in place for over two decades, though critics argue it may be outdated in the evolving media landscape. Nonetheless, officials maintain that compliance is required until formal changes are made to the legislation.
Both clubs earned their place in the final through rigorous knockout campaigns. Union Saint-Gilloise defeated Zulte Waregem, FCV Dender, and Sporting Charleroi in succession to reach the final. Anderlecht advanced by overcoming KVK Ninove, KRC Genk, KAA Gent, and Royal Antwerp FC.
The fixture represents a significant clash in Belgian football, pitting two of the nation’s most prominent clubs against each other. While the match will be accessible globally via the DAZN app at no cost, the lack of a traditional TV broadcast in Flanders has drawn criticism from fans and policymakers alike, who argue it undermines accessibility for viewers without reliable internet access or smart devices.
As of the date of reporting, no resolution had been reached between DAZN and Flemish broadcasters to secure a simulcast or secondary television feed. The situation remains under review by media authorities, with potential implications for future rights negotiations involving high-profile sporting events in Belgium.
The Belgian Cup final is scheduled to take place in the coming weeks, though the exact date and venue have not been specified in the available reports. Fans are directed to the DAZN app for live streaming access, with no indication of a paywall for this particular event.
Archysport will continue to monitor developments regarding broadcast compliance and provide updates as official statements emerge from the Flemish media regulator or the rights holder.
For fans wishing to share their views on the accessibility of major sporting events in the digital age, Archysport encourages engagement through comments and social media discussion.
