Anderlecht CEO Discusses Future Format for Pro League Reform in Football Industry Update

Pro League Reform Faces Renewed Scrutiny as top Clubs Demand Clarity

Brussels, Belgium – December 5, 2025 – The ongoing restructuring of the Belgian pro League is encountering fresh resistance, with Standard Liège, Anderlecht, KAA Gent, and Union Saint-Gilloise jointly requesting a suspension of the current reform plans. The clubs cite important uncertainties surrounding the league’s future,especially considering a shifting economic landscape.

Anderlecht CEO kenneth Bornauw publicly addressed the concerns prior to his team’s Cup match against Genk, emphasizing the need for a renewed dialogue. “We’ve issued this statement to formally request a restart of discussions,” Bornauw stated. “Our priority is to quickly establish clarity regarding the economic realities facing all clubs.”

Central to the clubs’ apprehension is the recently finalized television contract with DAZN. Bornauw explained that the deal has fundamentally altered the financial outlook for Belgian football. “We are now operating in a fully different situation, largely due to the TV contract. Security and clarity are essential for clubs to operate effectively.”

bornauw advocated for a extensive reassessment of the reform, suggesting a willingness to revisit previously agreed-upon decisions. “We must be prepared to examine the entire picture,” he said. “it’s not a weakness to review decisions and ask questions.”

Specifically, Bornauw expressed a preference for a more streamlined league structure. “I would favor a competition comprised of a maximum of 16 teams, followed by a playoff system. The specifics of those playoffs are open for discussion.”

The call for a pause in the reform underscores the growing anxieties within the Pro league regarding its financial stability and competitive balance. The coming weeks will be crucial as stakeholders attempt to navigate these challenges and forge a path forward for Belgian football.

Related: Genk Suffers Setback with defeat and Key Injury

How might a centralized broadcasting rights system impact the financial stability of smaller Pro League clubs?

The Proposed Pro League Overhaul: A deep Dive

Peter Verbeke, CEO of RSC Anderlecht, recently outlined his vision for a significant restructuring of the Belgian Pro League.The discussion,gaining traction within the Belgian football landscape,centers around enhancing competitiveness,increasing revenue,and improving the overall fan experience. This isn’t simply about tweaking the existing system; itS a potential paradigm shift in how Belgian Pro League football operates. Key areas of proposed reform include league format, playoff structures, and broadcasting rights.

Key Proposals from the Anderlecht CEO

Verbeke’s proposals aren’t coming in a vacuum. They’re a response to growing concerns about the dominance of Club Brugge in recent years and a desire to create a more engaging and financially lasting league. Here’s a breakdown of the core ideas:

* League Size Reduction: A move from 18 teams to 16 is heavily favored. This would create a more concentrated and competitive league, reducing the number of ‘dead rubber’ matches.

* Playoff System Revision: The current playoff system, often criticized for its predictability, is slated for a revamp.Proposals include a more balanced playoff format, potentially involving a points-based system carried over from the regular season, or a more complex bracket-style tournament.

* Centralized Broadcasting Rights: A unified approach to selling broadcasting rights is considered crucial. Currently, individual clubs negotiate their own deals, leading to disparities in revenue. A centralized system aims to maximize overall income and distribute it more equitably. This is a major point of contention, with some clubs hesitant to relinquish control.

* Financial Fair Play Strengthening: Increased scrutiny and stricter enforcement of Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations are on the table. This aims to curb excessive spending and promote long-term financial stability for all clubs.

* Youth Development Investment: A commitment to increased investment in youth academies and player development programs. This is seen as vital for nurturing future talent and reducing reliance on foreign imports.

Impact on Club Brugge’s Dominance & Competitive Balance

The proposed changes are, in part, a direct response to Club Brugge’s sustained success.While acknowledging their sporting achievements, Verbeke and others believe the current system inadvertently favors dominant clubs. Reducing the league size and implementing a fairer revenue distribution model are seen as key steps towards leveling the playing field. The goal is to foster a more competitive habitat where multiple teams have a realistic chance of challenging for the title. This directly addresses concerns about football league competitiveness and the need for a more dynamic Pro League structure.

The Role of Broadcasting Revenue & Financial Sustainability

Centralizing broadcasting rights is arguably the most significant and controversial aspect of the proposed reforms. Currently, the disparity in revenue between top clubs like Club Brugge and smaller teams is substantial. A centralized system could:

* Increase Overall Revenue: A unified sales strategy is expected to attract higher bids from broadcasters.

* Equitable Distribution: Revenue would be distributed more fairly among all clubs, providing smaller teams with the financial resources to compete.

* Long-Term Stability: A more predictable revenue stream would enhance the financial stability of the league as a whole.

Though, clubs wary of losing control over their broadcasting deals argue that a centralized system could stifle innovation and limit their ability to negotiate favorable terms.The debate highlights the complex interplay between football finance and league governance.

Potential Challenges & Roadblocks to reform

Implementing these changes won’t be easy. Several hurdles remain:

* Club Consensus: Achieving unanimous agreement among all 18 Pro League clubs is a significant challenge. Differing priorities and vested interests could derail the process.

* Legal Considerations: Any changes to the league structure or broadcasting rights agreements will need to comply with Belgian and European competition laws.

* Fan Reaction: While many fans support the idea of reform, some may be resistant to