Top officials at Belgian football clubs are debating a transition toward cross-border leagues to combat declining domestic broadcast revenues. Club Brugge executive Bob Madou recently proposed supranational competitions, citing similar explorations in Scandinavia, Switzerland, and Austria. While KRC Genk leadership supports the concept to reach a 30-million-person market, KAA Gent has expressed skepticism regarding the impact on local club rankings and organizational feasibility.
Why are Belgian clubs considering a cross-border league?
The primary driver for shifting away from the traditional Jupiler Pro League model is the pursuit of higher media rights valuations. According to Bob Madou of Club Brugge, speaking to Het Laatste Nieuws, cross-border cooperation is the only viable path to securing substantial future broadcast income. By moving beyond national borders, clubs hope to emulate market expansion strategies currently being analyzed in smaller European football markets across Scandinavia and the Alpine region.
How would a BeNeLiga impact domestic competition?
KRC Genk chairman Peter Croonen suggests a hybrid approach, such as integrating cross-border playoffs or a regional cup format, to tap into the Dutch and Belgian markets. This model would allow for a standard domestic season followed by high-stakes international matchups. However, Sam Baro of KAA Gent warns that a full merger could marginalize mid-table clubs. Baro argues that if a league combined six Belgian teams with eight Dutch teams, domestic clubs currently finishing fifth or sixth would be relegated to the bottom of the new international standings, potentially diminishing their value and relevance.
What are the main obstacles to implementation?
The primary barrier remains the logistical complexity of aligning multiple national federations and stakeholders. Sam Baro stated that Belgian football currently struggles to manage its own domestic competition, questioning the capacity to execute a complex cross-border framework. While the commercial benefits are clear to proponents, the operational reality of securing consensus among professional clubs remains a significant hurdle. For now, the proposal remains in the debate phase, with no formal structural changes scheduled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a BeNeLiga officially happening?
No. As of now, the proposal is strictly a subject of debate among club executives like Bob Madou, Peter Croonen, and Sam Baro.
Why does KAA Gent oppose a full merger?
KAA Gent leadership expressed concerns that a cross-border league would force Belgian clubs into lower-tier positions, negatively impacting their domestic standing and long-term development.
What is the main goal of these proposals?
The core objective is to maximize media rights revenue by accessing a larger, combined market of 30 million people, rather than relying solely on the domestic Belgian market.
What is your take on the future of the Jupiler Pro League? Should Belgian clubs prioritize local tradition or expand to compete financially with larger European markets? Share your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on Belgian football reform.
