The Flemish government, the region's football federation Voetbal Vlaanderen, and the Belgian Football Union (URBSFA) are launching an initiative to discourage foreign investment in amateur football.
Presented at the SK Pepingen-Halle football club in Flemish Brabant on Wednesday, the plan seeks to bolster the financial health of clubs and strengthen their youth sector activities.
In Wallonia, four clubs — Visé, Virton, La Louvière, and Olympic de Charleroi — have been taken over by foreign investors, with three clubs in Flanders experiencing the same fate.
To prevent an avalanche effect, Voetbal Vlaanderen, in collaboration with the Flemish government and URBSFA, has devised an action plan that aims to enhance the financial situation of clubs so that they don't need to seek foreign funding. Going forward, amateur clubs would need to affirm their positive net worth if they wish to secure a licence and must also achieve break-even within a three-year period.
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Furthermore, Voetbal Vlaanderen is insisting on better guidance and coaching in managing clubs’ finances. Clubs targeted by foreign investors will be made aware of the potential downsides of foreign takeovers.
Another crucial point is enhancing clubs’ youth activities. All clubs must continue investing in youth activities to maintain their licenses and will be expected to field a number of young players in their first teams.
Lastly, the federation will consider separating the financing of a club’s first team from its youth teams. This would ensure that youth squads can continue to play even if the first team goes under.
