April 20 – Relegated from the second division, Belgian club RWDM has taken the Belgian FA (RBFA) and Pro League to court over new regulations governing U-23 teams.
Following a 3-1 defeat against Kortrijk, RWDM finished 13th in the table and the club’s relegation to the third tier – the amateur level – of Belgian football was confirmed, but the club have filed a summary injunction to seek a way out.
Under new regulations, the Pro League guarantees spots for U-23 teams to foster youth development in the second division, but RDWM argue that the rule is discriminatory and violates competition laws. Management contends that professional spots should be earned through sporting merit, not protected by age-based quotas.
In a statement, the club said: “RWDM is of the opinion that the application of this mechanism causes serious and difficult-to-remedy disadvantage. It will therefore exercise its full defense in the proceedings.”
Whether the club will receive a professional license for the 2026-27 season is uncertain. This season they already suffered a points deduction and the club is to be sold, after reporting €14 million in losses.
Last week, Cork Gully, appointed at the end of March as judicial administrator by Eagle Football’s creditors, published an ad in the Financial Times putting Botafogo, RWDM and Lyon on sale.
Eagle’s principal, John Textor, could not fulfil repayments on a loan provided investment fund Ares of €300-400 million, much of it covering the acquisition of Lyon.
Belgium media report that three parties, including former chairman Thierry Dailly, have emerged as potential buyers for RWDM, though whether the club has a professional licence or not will ultimately influence any new shareholder funding.
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