Ninove political party urges restoration of sports access for ESOA

The PVDA Ninove political party is calling on the Ninove city administration to restore access to local sports infrastructure for the Event Soccer Academy (ESOA). The academy, which serves approximately 150 children and youth who may not find places in traditional clubs, was recently denied access to the artificial grass field in Pollare.

The city had previously terminated its cooperation with ESOA regarding the UiTPAS Dender program, citing irregularities in its use, and pointed to issues with the use of sports facilities. However, the Governor of East Flanders, Carina Van Cauter, has annulled the municipal council's decision from May 18, 2026.

The Governor ruled that the city lacked the authority to unilaterally terminate the UiTPAS cooperation and noted that the UiTPAS matter and the use of the grass field are separate issues. She stated that the city could not use one issue as a basis to deny access to the other, as the decision lacked a legal basis and was made by the incorrect decision-making body.