Union Saint-Gilloise’s has criticised the Forest municipality for blocking a new stadium project.
Union Saint-Gilloise CEO, Philippe Bormans, released a statement on Friday blaming the municipality for failing to support the proposed stadium.
The municipal authority later responded with a statement of its own, deflecting the blame onto the football club and the Brussels-Capital Region. A statement from the office of Mayor Mariam El Hamidine questioned the club management’s strategy.
“The situation is simple and sad,” Bormans said however. He insisted that all necessary processes had been completed and the regional government was supportive, yet the municipality had failed to prioritise the project, leaving it in limbo until after the local elections.
According to Bormans, the municipality consistently claims to be open for negotiation, yet has been stalling the project six years without a definitive decision. He emphasizes the importance of resolving the stadium issue for the future of the Brussels-based club.
As it stands, the team has to travel across Belgium to compete in European fixtures. The previous season saw Union Saint-Gilloise play its European home games in Anderlecht’s Lotto Park stadium.
