RWDM Brussels denied license, Houtvenne and others avoid relegation

On Friday afternoon it was announced that RWDM Brussels will not receive a competition licence. The decision means Club NXT will remain in the Challenger Pro League and avoids any forced relegation. As a result, Houtvenne, Sportief Rotselaar and Esperanza Pelt are now confirmed to stay in their current divisions.

RWDM Brussels' licence denial removes the need for a cascade relegation that would have affected the lower‑division clubs. Without the licence, the club cannot participate in the higher tier, so the usual promotion‑relegation chain is halted.

Houtvenne competes in the first division of the Belgian Voetbalvereniging (VV), Sportief Rotselaar in the second division VV B, and Esperanza Pelt in the third division VV B. All three clubs have therefore secured their places for the upcoming season.

A club representative said, “We did not entertain the idea that we would be relegated.” The comment underscores the relief felt after the licensing decision.

Avoiding relegation also prevents a potential flood of legal disputes that could have arisen from forced demotions. Officials indicated that the stability provided by the licence outcome is preferable to litigation.

The clubs now turn their attention to preparation for the next campaign, while the licensing authority finalises any remaining administrative matters.