Molenbeek out of business

Former Belgian champions RWD Molenbeek have ceased to exist due to massive debts.

Debt deadline
The club, who formed in 1973 out of a merger between Racing White and Daring Molenbeek and claimed the league title two years later, had been given until 1600CET yesterday to pay €40,000 they owed to the Belgian Football Association (KBVB).

Unable to pay
However, one minute before the deadline, the KVBV received a fax informing them that the club would not be able to pay, after former player and coach Johan Vermeersch pulled out of a deal to take over Molenbeek's debts.

Licence revoked
Overall, the club were thought to be liable for around €4m, owed to players, coaches and agents. Last season, the squad threatened to go on strike over unpaid wages, and this summer the KBVB refused to renew Molenbeek's Juliper League licence, relegating both them and KSC Eendracht Aalst to the third division.

Appeal failed
Molenbeek tried twice to have the decision overturned on appeal, and subsequently failed to secure financial backing to clear their liabilities. All remaining players are now free agents.