Belgian investors, led by Wouter Vandenhaute, agree to buy Antwerp football club

Belgian football club Antwerp has a new majority shareholder, with an investor group led by Wouter Vandenhaute agreeing to acquire "The Great Old" from Paul Gheysens. This deal concludes months of uncertainty and prevents a potential financial collapse for the club.

Antwerp faced significant financial pressure, including a loan repayment deadline to the hedge fund Fasanara. Failure to meet this obligation could have led to the fund gaining control of the club. While Gheysens reportedly sought new financing, these efforts were unsuccessful, paving the way for the Belgian investor group's acquisition.

The new ownership, featuring Vandenhaute as the main shareholder alongside club legend Toby Alderweireld and dozens of other entrepreneurs, ensures the club remains under Belgian control. This group, which also includes bank KBC, aims for the club's financial health, sporting ambition, and sustainable development, respecting its history and supporter base.

Vandenhaute, a former chairman of Anderlecht, and Alderweireld, a key figure in Antwerp's recent successes, are set to lead the club. Alderweireld is expected to embody the club's "DNA" and safeguard its sporting project, a role that resonates well with supporters who view him as a club icon.

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Royal Antwerp FC deserves local ownership that wants to build the club further in the long term. The Antwerp entrepreneurs, Toby Alderweireld and Wouter Vandenhaute share the ambition to develop their club financially healthy, sportingly ambitious and sustainably, with respect for its rich history and the unique bond with its supporters.