Former Anderlecht defender Olivier Deschacht has faced criticism after stating in a podcast that he does not watch women’s football, sparking reactions from national team players and public figures, according to reports.
Podcast Remarks on OH Leuven Spark Backlash
The controversy began during an appearance on the podcast Ongefilterd, when host Angel Redondo asked the former professional player how far OH Leuven could advance in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Deschacht replied, “I cannot watch that. With all respect, but I don’t follow it.” Later in the program, laughter followed another question regarding whether he would watch if actress Sydney Sweeney participated.
The comments drew immediate condemnation on social media. According to Voetbalkrant, Red Flames star Tessa Wullaert, Hannah Eurlings, and Flo Windey criticized the remarks publicly, while Het Nieuwsblad noted additional criticism from media figures Linde Merckpoel and Charlotte Sieben. “I find this very foul and very embarrassing for you,” Sieben wrote online.
Deschacht Defends Comments and Dismisses Critics
Speaking to Het Laatste Nieuws (HLN), Deschacht defended his remarks and rejected calls for an apology. “We have many listeners precisely because we are honest. Am I a monster because of that? No, right?” he said. He added that he suspects ninety-nine percent of women do not enjoy watching Olivier Deschacht play football either.
Deschacht also dismissed criticism from former player and analyst Imke Courtois, who described the podcast discussion as involving dismissive laughter. Deschacht claimed the laughter was directed at co-guests Thomas Buffel and Stijn Stijnen rather than the sport itself, calling the entire episode “a storm in a glass of water.” In Het Nieuwsblad, he added, “If a Dries or a Jan had said this, then I understand the commotion, but who cares what I say?” For the public figures who spoke out against him, he offered a blunt message: “get a life.”
Despite refusing to apologize for his viewing habits, Deschacht offered a measure of self-reflection. “Could I have brought it more diplomatically? Absolutely. But I am Olivier Deschacht and I come across as somewhat haughty. I certainly did not want to attack women’s football. I am not going to apologize for my statements, I can apologize because I don’t watch women’s football. Maybe I should be more open-minded and give it a chance.”
OHL Coach and Sponsor Respond to the Controversy
The fallout extended to the pitch following OH Leuven Women’s 5-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League. OHL Women head coach Ster Habibzadeh addressed the media regarding the controversy, as reported by Sporza. “It is certainly a pity to hear something like that. We are in 2026,” Habibzadeh stated. “Nobody says that everyone has to follow or watch women’s football, but we can at least talk about it with respect.” She emphasized that women’s football in Belgium is growing and requires support rather than disparaging remarks.
Meanwhile, the national team sponsor ING intervened with a public invitation directed at Deschacht on Instagram, reported Voetbalkrant. The company offered Deschacht and his daughter two front-row tickets to attend the Belgium-Poland match scheduled for October 9 at Den Dreef, the home stadium of OH Leuven, as an opportunity to experience the sport firsthand.
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