Belgian Challenger Pro League season developments

The Belgian Challenger Pro League season has commenced, marked by significant player transfers and the introduction of new officiating technology.

Early developments included notable squad movements, such as KAS Eupen acquiring Portuguese youth international Sandro Vidigal on loan from Benfica and Braga. Other transfers included Sporting Hasselt signing Mehdi Bounou and Lokeren securing defender Jonas Lietaert on a permanent two-season contract.

As the league resumed, officials debuted a new VAR challenge system. Similar to hockey, this allows teams to request video assistance a limited number of times per half. The system was utilized during a match between Sporting Hasselt and FCV Dender EH, where a successful challenge overturned an offside call, allowing a goal to stand and contributing to a Sporting Hasselt victory.

Heading into the season opener between AS Eupen and Jong Genk, AS Eupen is preparing under the leadership of coach Felice Mazzù. Mazzù intends to implement a more direct and pragmatic playing style to return the team to the top of the league. Nicolas Gavory has been appointed as the new captain of AS Eupen, selected for his experience and composure to relieve former captain Rune Paeshuyse of certain responsibilities.

Jong Genk enters the fixture following a 4-2 preseason win over FC Eindhoven. Despite their status as a U23 side, Mazzù has warned against underestimating the Genk squad, noting that the new competition format has integrated U23 teams more strongly into the professional landscape.