Molenbeek debts could force closure

Former Belgian champions RWD Molenbeek are facing extinction due to huge debts, after failing to gain a professional license for the 2002/03 season.

Relegation blow
The Brussels club, who won the Belgian first division in 1975, two years after their formation in a merger between Royal Racing White and Royal Daring Molenbeek, finished tenth in the Belgian top flight last season but were relegated to the third division after failing to give financial guarantees for the coming year.

Huge debts
They are reported to be between €1m and €2m in debt, and a provisional administrator, lawyer Jean- Pierre Walravens has been appointed as the club look to clear the deficit, but he is pessimistic as to whether he can save the team.

'No money at all left'
Walravens explained: "There is no money at all left in the club and I can make no payment to nobody. Now, I am asking the Court of Commerce to liquidate the club totally. That is what should have been done a long time ago, seeing the state of the matter".

Final action
The final action could come on 9 August, when the Belgian Football Association is expected to send an official letter giving the club two days to clear their debts to the organisation - or face expulsion.