Football team Ostend has been slapped with a penalty of €177,500 and the deduction of one point for the season 2024-2025, Werner Van Oosterwyck, the team’s temporary administrator from the Challenger Pro League, said in an interview published on the KVO’s website on Wednesday.
"The Americans and the external accounting firm failed to manage matters concerning Belgian professional football’s Financial Fair Play and Sustainability," Van Oosterwyck clarified.
"Due payments were left unsettled as a result; and while the Licensing Commission accepted our arguments, we have to pay the penalty of €177,500 and lose a point next season. We can tolerate these penalties but further actions against the real culprits of this issue could be discussed in the future."
Oosterwyck, who has extended his term as temporary administrator until July 3rd, expressed his hopes to find a resolution before the date arrives. He disclosed that talks are currently ongoing with five potential buyers.
"This does not necessarily mean we are close to reaching an agreement. The external accountant designated by the Americans had not tracked all the files, causing the establishment of figures to take longer than expected. Everything should be sorted within two weeks, upon which we can commence financial discussions with potential purchasers."
Facing troubles financially, Ostend is also experiencing difficulties on the sports side, holding the second last place in the Challenger Pro League. "Though the deduction of six points has hit us hard, I am positive that we will survive, even without these points," Oosterwyck concluded.
