Saturday, 18th February, 2012


Standard Liege president Roland Duchatelet has called for the creation of a new Belgian and Dutch league.

Duchatelet believes that a combined division made up of the best clubs from each country is the only way for each to survive in an increasingly competitive European football market, and one dominated by money raised from TV rights.

The Standard supremo has dubbed the new league the BeNeLiga and believes it could follow a similar competition in women’s football between the two nations.

"Only with a BeNeLiga can we take Belgian football to the next level", said Duchatelet.

"We must sell our TV rights in Asia", he added.

"Belgium needs to expand its market. The difference in budget between Belgian clubs and clubs abroad is great and it is only going to increase with time.

"So we will soon be unable to compete with them in the European Cup.

"The BeNeLiga is the only way to improve and the Dutch are positive."

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