Croky Cup amateur participation expansion

The Belgian Pro League has announced structural changes to the Croky Cup to increase amateur club participation beginning with the 2027-2028 season. The new format will expand the number of provincial clubs in the first round from 116 to 156. Furthermore, two amateur teams will receive direct entry into the round of 32: one spot for the winner of the Beker van Vlaanderen and a second spot designated by the French-speaking amateur federation (FFA).

As the tournament progresses, top-tier clubs have begun advancing to the round of 16. Defending champions Club Brugge secured a 1-0 victory over KSC Lokeren, while Antwerp narrowly defeated amateur side KSK Heist with a 1-0 scoreline. OH Leuven also progressed after defending a 1-0 lead with ten men, and Cercle Brugge moved forward following a 2-1 win over Sporting Hasselt. Other advancing teams include KRC Genk and Zulte Waregem.

Recent results in the round of 32 have seen significant upsets as lower-division sides eliminated top-tier Belgian clubs. Beerschot, leading the Challenger Pro League, defeated RSC Anderlecht 2-1, with Haj Mohamed scoring both goals for the winning side. The match was complicated when Anderlecht’s Ali Maamar received a second yellow card in the 60th minute, leaving his team with ten players. In another major upset, third-division Union Rochefortoise eliminated KAA Gent following a 3-3 draw through extra time, eventually securing a 4-3 victory in a penalty shootout. This victory has drawn interest in Rochefortoise coach Jeffrey Rentmeister from clubs in the Challenger Pro League and Ligue 2.

The draw for the next round has been finalized, with matches scheduled for the weekend of December 4 to 6. Upcoming matchups include Club Brugge hosting SK Beveren, a West Flemish derby between Cercle Brugge and Zulte Waregem, and Beerschot facing KRC Genk.