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Belgian Competition Watchdog Blocks Bid to Suspend U23 Quota Rule

By  |  August 18, 2025

The Belgian Competition Authority (BCA) has rejected a request for interim measures aimed at suspending a new rule requiring at least four U23 teams in the Challenger Pro League (D1B), citing a lack of imminent and irreparable harm.

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    The decision, issued on August 1, 2025, followed an application filed by Royal Francs Borains, Koninklijke Sporting Club Lokeren, and Royal Football Club Seraing. The clubs sought to halt the Royal Belgian Football Association’s (RBFA) decision to introduce the quota for the 2025-2026 season. According to a statement from the BCA, the rejection does not affect the ongoing investigation into whether the measure violates competition law.

    The BCA prosecutor general opened the investigation on July 4, 2025, after the clubs claimed the quota breached both EU and Belgian competition rules, including Article 101 TFEU and Article IV.1 of the Code of Economic Law. Per a statement, the Competition College reviewed the case based on two criteria: whether the practice could reasonably constitute a competition law infringement, and whether immediate action was necessary to prevent serious, irreparable harm.

    On the first point, the College observed that the U23 quota was part of a broader agreement on league structure and television rights distribution, approved by a majority of professional clubs. However, the College noted that U23 teams face different promotion and relegation rules, which could disadvantage other clubs. According to the College, this prima facie creates discrimination that may distort competition in the market for professional football as a spectator sport.

    On the second point, however, the College determined that the conditions for urgent intervention were not met. The potential consequences of the quota—such as an increased risk of relegation for traditional clubs—would only become clear at the end of the season. Furthermore, ongoing uncertainty around possible reforms or the outcome of the BCA’s full investigation means the immediate impact remains limited. Per the decision, suspending the rule just one week before the season starts could undermine legal certainty and disrupt agreements already in place across the Pro League.

    Source: Belgian Competition