Simon Mignolet spoke publicly for the first time as sporting manager of the Royal Belgian Football Association, addressing RSC Anderlecht’s decision to withhold four players from the upcoming U17 World Cup in Qatar, Voetbalkrant.com reported.
Anderlecht decided not to release Jayden Onia Seke, Joshua Nga Kana, Noa Ojea, and Noah Kalonji for international duty, dealing a significant blow to U17 coach Sven Vermant’s squad planning, VoetbalNieuws.be noted.
The tournament falls outside official FIFA international windows, giving clubs the legal right to retain their players. While the senior Red Devils prepare for Nations League fixtures against Turkey and Italy, the U17 squad gears up for the World Cup in Qatar.
Mignolet stated that the football association must accept the ruling. “It is a pity, but we accept it. Of course we hoped to take those guys with us. I have spoken to them and they are disappointed themselves,” Mignolet told Het Laatste Nieuws, according to Voetbalkrant.com. “Nous regrettons que les joueurs d’Anderlecht ne soient pas libérés, mais nous devons accepter et comprendre”.
Vermant similarly acknowledged the setback while preparing his side. “Of course that is unfortunate,” Vermant said, according to VoetbalPrimeur.be. Several of the omitted teenagers played key roles during qualifying, where the Jonge Duivels reached the European Championship final before losing to Italy on penalties.
Beyond the roster dispute, Mignolet outlined the federation’s approach to securing dual-nationality talents who hold eligibility for multiple countries. He described the process as a delicate balancing act requiring direct communication with players, families, and entourages.
🚨 Anderlecht refuse to release U17 talents for the World Cup. Simon Mignolet drops them from U19 in response🤯 Noah Kalonji & Jayden Onia Seke (Congolese roots 🇨🇩) are both dual-eligible and currently in Belgium’s youth setup🇧🇪 With the club prioritising its own squad and the… pic.twitter.com/fvMV7JH5tp
“It is a challenge,” Mignolet said, as reported by Voetbalkrant.com. “It is my job to talk to those players, their families, and entourages. You have to find a balance in that: it makes no sense to push someone into a corner.”
The federation aims to present a clear sporting project to prospects rather than applying pressure. Mignolet highlighted recent staff appointments designed to foster trust and relatability within the national setup, including Joachim Mununga as U17 coach, Igor Vetokele as team manager of the senior Red Devils, and Dedryck Boyata as assistant with the U21s. “That are guys who can empathize with the situation of those players,” he explained.
Despite missing four Anderlecht prospects, Vermant assembled an 18-field-player squad focused on versatility. The team finished its qualification campaign without a defeat and will face Vietnam, Mali, and Nieuw-Zeeland in the group stage once the tournament opens on November 20, VoetbalNieuws.be confirmed.
Vermant emphasized the developmental value of the trip. “Apart from the success you can achieve there, you gain a wealth of experience at such a tournament,” Vermant told VoetbalPrimeur.be, adding that facilities in Qatar meet high standards. “Of course we want to win”, he noted during his press conference.
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