Belgian court upholds homegrown player quotas in professional football

A court of first instance in Brussels has ruled that the ‘Belgian rule’ regarding locally trained players in professional football is legal and does not violate European law. The decision settles a long-standing legal dispute initiated by Royal Antwerp FC and player Lior Refaelov.

The regulation requires Jupiler Pro League clubs to reserve at least eight of their 25 squad spots for locally trained players. Additionally, three of these players must have played in the country for at least three years before turning 21. The plaintiffs argued that these quotas were discriminatory, hindered competition, and restricted the freedom of movement for players.

However, the court determined that the rules serve a legitimate public interest by encouraging clubs to invest in youth academies and the development of local talent. This ruling means the quotas will remain a mandatory factor in squad composition and transfer policies for Belgian professional clubs.