February 23 – Belgian women’s club White Star Woluwe will withdraw from the top flight at the end of the season, citing “a lack of financial resources”.
The club based in Sint-Lambrechts-Woluwe was the last ‘amateur’ club at the elite level following the departure of Eendracht Aalst.
However, with growing pressure on the club’s finances, White Star has decided to step down at the end of the 2023-24 season which will reduce the playing field to nine outfits. White Star are not attached to any men’s professional club.
“It is with regret, but also with sincere pride for the journey we have made, that we officially announce the withdrawal of Femina White Star Woluwe from the Superleague at the end of the 2023-24 season,” read a club statement.
“Despite the persistence of the passion, the resources needed to excel at the highest level remain beyond our reach as an exclusively female club, devoid of financial support from investors or a professional men’s division.”
“We are proud of the milestones reached and the historic moments our club has experienced. The club will proudly continue to uphold the values of women’s football at the highest possible level and thus remain the largest exclusively female club in the country.”
Last season, Aalst also withdrew from the top flight, citing the ever-growing license demands and difficulties in competing with the clubs attached to a professional men’s team.
White Star’s exit is a blow to the women’s game and it is unclear if any other club will step in to replace the club. Currently, second in the second division, Westerlo perhaps have the means to compete in the top flight.
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