There are already 3 of them: Charleroi also withdraws from Women Super League: “For economic reasons”

The Women Super League is taking a hit. After WS Woluwe and KV Mechelen announced a few months ago that they would no longer play in the first division next season, the third dropout followed today with Charleroi. “We cannot follow the financial and structural demands of the Pro League.”

The Pro League launched an ambitious plan at the end of March to take women’s football in Belgium to a higher level. But that just made Charleroi drop out.

“It is with regret that the board has made the difficult decision to withdraw the women’s team next season,” Charleroi said in a press release.

“The club no longer shares the vision of the Pro League, which imposes financial and structural requirements in the future that we cannot possibly follow at this stage of the development of women’s football in Wallonia and in our region.”

The statement talks about the organizational structure (more certified trainers in the staff, number of professional contracts in the core, appointment of a CEO for the women’s section…) and infrastructure works (field dimensions, more and stronger lighting, lack of fields…) .

“These elements combined with a persistent lack of public interest and commercial income mean that Charleroi can no longer compete economically and has to abandon the path of professionalism that the authorities want.”

We can no longer follow the path of professionalism that the authorities want.

Sporting Charleroi

However, Charleroi does not want to give up the women’s project completely, the club wants to continue working with the team that operates in the second division.

The club is convinced that the resources and attention in this way will best benefit the young and not so young players.

“We understand that this decision will be a disappointment to some, but are convinced that it is the best decision for the future of women’s football within Sporting Charleroi.”

WS Woluwe and KV Mechelen previously also dropped out for financial reasons. Perhaps not coincidentally, it concerns the tail ploughs. Charleroi finished 8th in the regular competition, KV Mechelen 9th and Woluwe 10th and last.