The licensing committee of the Belgian Football Association (KBVB) awarded the licenses for amateur series on Wednesday. Second National teams RFC Tournai, Eendracht Aalst, La Louvière Centre, KFC Merelbeke and RUS Binche did not get that, just like Excelsior Virton and USRL Wezet in First National.
The licensing committee asks the clubs to submit some additional documents of payments or recent disputes that are still open, if necessary. At a number of clubs, wages were not paid or certificates from company auditors were missing. They all have the option to supplement their file on appeal.
File incomplete
Eendracht Aalst initially submitted a file for both a regional and a national amateur club, but the club was rejected. In its report, the licensing committee is convinced that the club has not provided all the requested documents regarding the salaries of players, trainers and all staff.
The licensing committee further notes that the collective labor agreement premium for some players was not paid before February and no sworn statement was included showing that all expired and due contractual compensation under the employment contract has been reimbursed.
Terrain is adequate
The assessment of the licensing committee shows that other documents are also missing, such as those regarding VAT. The site does meet the requirements. Alderman for Sport Matthias De Ridder (N-VA) states that the city has handed over all the necessary documents to the licensing committee. “It is a shame that we are regarded as culprits by the club board, while we should actually be partners.”
Last week, a meeting was reportedly planned between the city and the board. “No one showed up,” says De Ridder. “Also yesterday (Tuesday, ed.) We still waited an hour without any news. We have already pushed for consultation a lot, but it is difficult. You can list a whole list of problems, but none of them are the city’s fault.”
“Administrative formalities”
The club board of Eendracht Aalst announces on social media that they have taken note of the decision not to grant the license. “Although some administrative formalities still need to be arranged, this is not a stumbling block for us,” it said. “We will further supplement the file. We still have full confidence in our future and our participation in the first national next season. Our complete file will be defended before the competent bodies.”
“Despite the challenges following our acquisition, we are confident of the positive response we expect for the license. As a new board and owners, we need time to professionalize our operations. The latest consultation with the licensing committee auditors has strengthened us in the course we must follow and the choices that must be made to meet the requirements.”
At Voetbal Vlaanderen they cannot say anything about the non-granting of the license for the time being. Eendracht Aalst can now still appeal to try to obtain a license.
Tags: Eendracht Aalst misses national license stumbling block Aalst
){kind=link}