The Fall: How RWDM Brussels Lost Its Professional License

RWDM Brussels’ professional license was revoked by Belgian football authorities following a season that saw the club struggle both on and off the pitch. The decision, confirmed in mid-May 2026, means the team—once a fixture in Belgium’s top divisions—will now compete in the Belgian National Division 1 (third tier) or lower, depending on administrative approvals. The club’s relegation to amateur football is the culmination of years of financial instability, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, poor attendance, and mounting debts.

The final blow came after RWDM failed to meet the Belgian Pro League’s financial and operational requirements. According to league records, the club’s debts exceeded €1 million, and its inability to secure sponsorship or secure a viable business plan led to the license revocation. The Belgian FA’s decision was unanimous, with no appeals granted despite Textor’s public pleas for reconsideration.

“Ce n’est pas la fin, le club est toujours vivant.”
— John Textor, RWDM Brussels owner (via RWDM Brussels Facebook, May 11, 2026)

Textor, who took over the club in 2015, has framed the license loss as a temporary setback rather than a death knell. In a statement posted on the club’s official Facebook page, he emphasized that RWDM would “continue to fight for its place in Belgian football” and urged fans to remain united. However, the financial reality is stark: without professional status, the club loses access to television revenue, commercial sponsorships, and the infrastructure that sustains elite football.

Club NXT Takes Over: The Rise of a New Molenbeek Giant

While RWDM battles for its survival, Club NXT—a newly formed entity backed by local investors—has secured the Challenger Pro League spot vacated by RWDM. The move has sparked debate among Belgian football fans about the future of Molenbeek’s footballing identity. Club NXT, which plays its home games at the same Edmond Machtens Stadium (capacity: 12,266), has positioned itself as a “community-driven” project aimed at reviving the area’s footballing heritage.

The transition raises questions about the long-term viability of RWDM. With Club NXT already assembling a competitive squad—including several former RWDM players—the new club could quickly establish itself as the dominant force in Molenbeek. Meanwhile, RWDM’s players, many of whom are on short-term contracts, face uncertain futures. Some, like top scorer Mamadou Simbakoli (12 goals in the 2025-26 season), have already expressed interest in joining Club NXT or other Belgian clubs.

The Numbers Behind the Collapse: RWDM’s 2025-26 Season in Review

RWDM’s final season in professional football was defined by inconsistency and financial strain. Here’s how the numbers tell the story:

Despite finishing above the relegation zone, RWDM’s financial mismanagement became the focal point of its downfall. The club’s inability to secure a sponsor deal—despite efforts to attract local and international backers—sealed its fate. In contrast, Club NXT’s rapid ascent highlights the gap between RWDM’s administrative struggles and the new entity’s business-focused approach.

Player Reactions: Uncertain Futures and New Opportunities

For RWDM’s players, the license revocation means immediate uncertainty. Many are on short-term contracts, and without professional football, their options narrow. Here’s how some key figures have responded:

• Mamadou Simbakoli (24, CF): The team’s top scorer has been linked with a move to Club NXT or a transfer abroad. “I love this club, but I need to play professionally,” he told Belgian media. His 12-goal season was a bright spot in an otherwise bleak campaign.
• Bill Lathouwers (26, GK): The Belgian international goalkeeper, valued at €700K, has been approached by multiple Belgian clubs. “I want to stay in Belgium, but I need a club that can guarantee stability,” he stated.
• Olivier Dumont (24, CM): A fan favorite, Dumont has expressed hope that RWDM can rebuild. “We’re not giving up. The fans deserve better,” he said.

The exodus of players to Club NXT or other professional teams could further weaken RWDM’s amateur squad. Without key talent, the club’s chances of an immediate return to professional football diminish. However, Textor has hinted at a potential merger or restructuring with Club NXT—though such talks remain speculative.

What’s Next for RWDM Brussels?

RWDM’s immediate future hinges on three critical factors:

1. Administrative Approval: The Belgian FA must approve RWDM’s transition to amateur status. Delays or rejections could force the club into liquidation.
2. Financial Restructuring: Textor has pledged to seek new investors, but without a clear plan, the club risks further instability.
3. Fan and Community Support: RWDM’s survival depends on maintaining its grassroots connection. The club’s ultras—known for their passionate support—will be crucial in sustaining momentum.

In the short term, RWDM will focus on assembling an amateur squad capable of competing in the Belgian National Division 1. Long-term, the club’s options include:

• Rebuilding through the youth academy to earn a return to professional football.
• Merging with Club NXT or another local entity to combine resources.
• Seeking a takeover by a new investor willing to stabilize the club’s finances.

One thing is clear: RWDM’s story is far from over. The club’s history—rooted in Molenbeek’s working-class communities—has seen it rise from obscurity to near-promotion in Belgium’s top flight. This latest crisis, however, tests that resilience like never before.

Broader Implications for Belgian Football

RWDM’s collapse is part of a larger trend in Belgian football, where financial instability threatens smaller clubs. The Challenger Pro League, in particular, has seen multiple teams struggle with licensing requirements in recent years. Club NXT’s emergence as a professional entity in Molenbeek raises questions about:

• The Future of Tiny Clubs: Can traditional fan-owned clubs compete with investor-backed projects like Club NXT?
• Fan Loyalty: Will supporters of RWDM rally behind the new club, or will they remain loyal to RWDM’s legacy?
• League Stability: Will the Belgian FA tighten financial regulations further, risking the survival of more clubs?

For now, the focus remains on RWDM’s immediate survival. If the club can navigate the administrative hurdles and secure financial backing, it may yet carve out a new path—this time, from the amateur ranks.

How to Follow RWDM’s Journey

RWDM Brussels will provide official updates through its Facebook page and official website. Fans can also track the club’s progress in Belgian amateur leagues via:

• Challenger Pro League (for historical records)
• Transfermarkt (player and transfer updates)
• Wikipedia (club history and context)

The next critical checkpoint for RWDM is the Belgian FA’s administrative decision on its amateur status, expected by June 15, 2026. If approved, the club will begin preparations for the 2026-27 season in the Belgian National Division 1.

Key Takeaways

• License Revoked: RWDM Brussels loses its professional status and will compete in amateur leagues next season.
• Club NXT’s Rise: The new entity takes over RWDM’s Challenger Pro League spot, creating a direct rivalry in Molenbeek.
• Financial Crisis: Debt and sponsorship failures led to the license revocation, despite a mid-table finish.
• Player Uncertainty: Key stars like Simbakoli and Lathouwers face uncertain futures, with transfers to Club NXT or other clubs likely.
• Fan Loyalty Tested: RWDM’s survival depends on maintaining community support amid the transition.
• Broader Impact: The collapse highlights financial challenges facing Belgian football’s smaller clubs.