A blow to everyone who cares about the team. KV Mechelen Women will play their last matches in the Lotto Super League this season, because the club has decided not to continue with the project. After Loy, the second team at the highest level disappears. Does Belgian women's football have a structural problem? Sporza Daily will find out.
KV Mechelen disappears from the highest stage of women's football.
The main management of the club does not want to provide the license for next season. “However, our file is ready,” says Marie-Paule de Belle, director of the women's team. “But the financial picture was wrong.”
More costs than revenues and not much progress in terms of sport – KVM is in the basement of the Women's Super League with 6 points.
“However, we are very affected, because the news came unexpectedly. My phone does not stop ringing either. A WhatsApp group has been created with some self-employed people to look for funds to continue existing.”
But whether that will be enough to meet the new conditions of the Professional League seems very unlikely.
Ambitious plans
“No, it's actually not good news,” admits Lauren Paris, the ATP's chief executive. “On the other hand, it's not entirely unexpected.”
Before the curtain came down on KV Mechelen Stadium, there was also the end of White Star Woluwe's top flight. There are also signs from Charleroi and Genk that the situation is not so rosy.
The Professional League also realizes that things cannot continue like this. And so, on March 29, it will introduce a completely new, ambitious plan to take Belgian women's football to a higher level.
This includes more stringent entry conditions: “But what these conditions entail will be discussed only then. What I can really say is that we are seeking quality. Competitiveness must increase.”
More exposure, more growth, young talent and financial power: these are likely the requirements that killed smaller clubs like Woluwe and KVM.
It also says a lot about what the men at the top of the club think about women's football.
Dominic Reigns, KAA Gent Ladies
However, it is an event that even competitors regret.
“I was shocked by this,” says Dominique Renz, president of KAA Gent Ladies. “Especially since less than two years ago I convinced Micklin to take his car.”
Although she does not want to suggest that the professional league is to blame.
“It also says a lot about how men at the highest levels of the club think about women's football. I don't think the budget Mechelen takes will make a difference.”
Reigns believes that men's teams must play their part in the growth process: “Only if everyone continues to believe in women's football, I am convinced that it will achieve something in the future.”
A perspective not shared in Micklin and Woolloy.
Dominik Rins regrets saying goodbye to KV Mechelen.
The path to self-sufficiency
So the most important question in this regard: Can Belgian women's football grow if it is not self-sufficient?
“It must be rising, especially if you look at the flames,” says our expert Hermian Vanbeveren. “But if two or three clubs disappear now, it will take two steps back in his development.”
The biggest problem for clubs remains the lack of interest and sponsorship of viewers.
“For example, I was at Anderlecht Standard last weekend. It was an absolutely top game, but there were only a few hundred fans there. Whereas in the Premier League, there's a £20m-a-year TV contract on the table.”
“It's time for Belgium to get on the bandwagon, otherwise the gap abroad will become too big and the good Belgian players will have to leave. We must completely avoid that,” Vanbeveren concluded.
Of course, the majority of investments at the moment come from the first team, but you have to look for a different formula.
Julian Prudhomme
Although there are also examples of teams who believe in the growth potential of women's football.
“At Club Brugge, both NXT and YLA (promising and women's tag team, ed.) try to be as self-sufficient as possible,” says head coach Julian Prudhomme.
“Each team has its own sales manager looking for income. Of course, the majority of investments at the moment come from the first team, but you have to look for a different formula.”
Preud'homme believes the future lies in achieving complete self-sufficiency. Not an easy task in another sport that follows different rules.
“Because if you take responsibility, you'll be more discerning and look for the right investment or the perfect conversion. This will pay off in the long run.”
Gillian Prudhomme – Michel's son – sees future prospects in Bruges.
However, it appears that only the top clubs that can allocate some money to the women's team will remain above water in the coming years.
“I especially hope something can be done about it for the smaller clubs,” Reigns adds. “Because this trend will not benefit women’s football.”
Thus, on March 29, the proposal will be viewed with suspicion by adults and children alike.
Imke Courtois provides a further explanation in Latin:
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