Loan deadline looms as investors eye Royal Antwerp FC takeover

Royal Antwerp FC faces a critical €10 million loan repayment deadline on Tuesday, after which the leveraged fund Fasanara could assume control. At the same time, a consortium of investors that includes former Anderlecht chairman Wouter Vandenhaute and ex‑Ajax defender Toby Alderweireld is being discussed as a potential new ownership group. Paul Gheysens, the owner of Royal Antwerp FC, must repay the €10 million loan to Fasanara before 23:59 on Tuesday or lose control of the club. Failure to meet the deadline would transfer ownership directly to the leveraged fund. Earlier this year, Gheysens sought a €100 million loan from the private‑equity firm Carlyle to stabilise the club’s finances. That negotiation collapsed, leaving the €10 million repayment as the immediate priority.

Anderlecht fans rally as former president eyes Antwerp takeover

Wouter Vandenhaute served as Anderlecht chairman from 2020 until 2025, resigning after repeated supporter protests. His potential involvement in the Antwerp consortium signals a desire to re‑establish influence in Belgian football. Toby Alderweireld, a former Ajax defender and long‑time Royal Antwerp FC icon, is reported to be part of the investor group. His participation adds a former player’s perspective to the prospective ownership structure. Local business families Donckers and Van Loon are also named as possible contributors to the takeover bid. If the loan is repaid, the club may avoid Fasanara’s control; otherwise, the investor consortium could step in to reshape Royal Antwerp FC’s future.