Brussels, Belgium – The Belgian Pro League has amended its controversial U23 player quota rule following a ruling by the Belgian Competition Authority, but the decision has sparked further discontent, with KAA Gent signaling its intent to pursue legal action. The core issue revolves around the structure of Belgian professional football, specifically the composition of the Challenger Pro League and its relationship with the top-tier Jupiler Pro League.
Last year, Belgian professional clubs agreed to revert to an 18-team Jupiler Pro League format, eliminating the playoff system. Simultaneously, a quota system was introduced for U23 players in the Challenger Pro League, the second division of Belgian football. However, the Belgian Competition Authority deemed this U23 quota “illegal,” citing violations of competition law. This ruling created a scenario where teams like Francs Borains could potentially be relegated from the 13th position in the Challenger Pro League, as reserve teams – Club NXT, RSCA Futures, and Jong Genk – were initially exempt from relegation.
After nearly three hours of deliberation, the Pro League scrapped the initial rule. Now, the bottom two teams in the Challenger Pro League standings will be relegated, regardless of whether they are reserve sides. However, a significant caveat remains: a U23 team can only be relegated if another U23 team finishes in the top three of the Eerste Afdeling Voetbal Vlaanderen, the amateur league. If no other reserve team achieves a high enough ranking, the U23 team will avoid relegation. This means that if the last two places are occupied by reserve teams and no other reserve teams are sufficiently high in the standings, no team will be relegated.
Francs Borains chairman Georges-Louis Bouchez described the solution as “so complicated that nobody will understand it,” adding that it’s “not the simplest solution and We find risks involved.” Bouchez likewise expressed skepticism about the acceptance of this compromise by amateur clubs, suggesting further votes may be necessary. “We need to look at how Belgian football is governed,” he stated. “It leads to bad decisions, which are adjusted, and to legal proceedings. It needs to be more serious and credible.” A temporary solution is being explored for teams in the Challenger Pro League already negatively impacted by the initial quota.
Legal Challenge from KAA Gent
KAA Gent had hoped for a complete reversal of the league restructuring, including the abolition of the 18-team Jupiler Pro League format without playoffs. However, with that format remaining in place, the club is preparing to launch a legal challenge. “We will almost certainly take legal action,” said operational director Sébastien Ronse. “We hope to reverse the decision and return to 16 teams with playoffs.”
Ronse questioned the democratic legitimacy of the current decision, arguing that support for the 18-team format was “bought” with the U23 quota, specifically referencing the influence on Genk’s vote. He believes that clubs in the Jupiler Pro League are largely dissatisfied with the format and that the lack of decisive action in the General Assembly is concerning. “We are legally in the right, and the judge will rule on it,” Ronse asserted. Bouchez indicated his willingness to support KAA Gent’s legal efforts, reiterating his belief that the latest competition format is “a particularly bad idea.” “If teams take action in the interest of Belgian football, You can support them. We support teams that want to move Belgian football forward.”
“No Consensus Expected”
Lorin Parys, the CEO of the Pro League, acknowledged the difficulty of reaching a consensus before the end of the season. “We will now sit down serenely with everyone. It will be a story of give and take,” he said. Parys confirmed that the Jupiler Pro League is committed to an 18-team competition, with a subsequent evaluation planned. He understands KAA Gent’s consideration of legal action, stating, “I have to like all my clubs equally. They all have their rights, and if they disagree with a decision made by the other clubs here, we must deal with that with respect.”
Parys continued, “You can’t expect consensus in an organization with almost 30 clubs, which have divergent interests. They have to divide the cake. It’s naive to think that there will only be ‘kumbaya’ sung.” He emphasized that decisions made by a two-thirds majority will be implemented, acknowledging the inherent challenges in Belgian football governance. “It’s almost Belgian that we constantly discuss the format, that is also the strength of our football. To completely eliminate that discussion? That’s an illusion.”
The situation highlights the ongoing tensions within Belgian football, balancing the interests of established clubs, reserve teams, and the desire for a competitive and sustainable league structure. The legal challenge from KAA Gent promises to further complicate matters, potentially leading to significant changes in the coming months.
The next step will be to observe how the Challenger Pro League standings unfold in the remaining matches of the season, and whether KAA Gent formally initiates legal proceedings. Fans and stakeholders will be closely watching for further developments as the Pro League navigates this complex and contentious issue.
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