RWDM refuses relegation and files complaint in inevitable fall out from U23 ruling

TL;DR

RWDM has refused relegation from the Belgian second tier and filed a complaint following the U23 ruling. The decision affects their placement despite finishing 13th, as they are the nearest non-U23 team to be relegated.

Key points

RWDM finished 13th in the Challenger Pro League.
U23 teams can only be relegated if another U23 team is promoted.
RWDM is taking legal action against the Pro League's decision.

RWDMChallenger Pro LeagueOlympic CharleroiClub Brugge NXT

RWDM refuses relegation and files complaint in inevitable fall out from U23 ruling

The Belgian second tier, the Challenger Pro League, came to an end this Friday. Kortrijk and Beveren were promoted, while RFC Liege, Patro Eisden, Beerschot and Lommel will battle it out in the play-offs. The winner will likely play Dender in a game that will decide who plays in the Belgian Pro League next season.

At the other end, Olympic Charleroi were relegated, with Club Brugge NXT finishing in the other relegation spot. However, U23 teams can only be relegated from the second tier of Belgian football if another U23 is set to be promoted. With that no being the case, the nearest non U23 team has been relegated. RWDM are the unlucky team. The side finished 13th, 12 points above the relegation zone. However, with Genk U23 and Anderlecht Futures below them, they are the nearest non U23 team.

As expected, RWDM are not going to take this lying down. This was something that everyone saw coming at some point once the decision was made around relegation for U23 teams. Alongside other teams from the league, RWDM are taking the situation to the courts to make them decide. This is a tricky situation for the Pro League and one that has been coming for some time.

However, RWDM may not even exist in a few weeks time. The side are struggling financially and are in the process of being sold by John Textor. They have not been able to secure a licence for the Challenger Pro League next season, so would be forefeiting their place in it anyway if a sale does not go through.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson

Q&A

Why did RWDM refuse relegation from the Challenger Pro League?

RWDM refused relegation because they believe the U23 ruling unfairly impacted their placement, as they finished 13th and were not in the relegation zone.

What is the U23 ruling affecting Belgian football relegation?

The U23 ruling states that U23 teams can only be relegated if another U23 team is promoted, which led to RWDM's relegation despite their higher league position.

What are the potential consequences of RWDM's complaint against the Pro League?

RWDM's complaint could lead to legal proceedings that may affect the relegation rules and the overall structure of the Pro League.