Local Consortium Completes Royal Antwerp FC Takeover, Setting Out Long-Term Ownership Strategy.

Roger Hampel

Image: Royal Antwerp FC

Royal Antwerp FC has entered a new ownership era after a consortium of Antwerp-based entrepreneurs, together with former Belgium international Toby Alderweireld and media entrepreneur Wouter Vandenhaute, reached an agreement with the Gheysens family to acquire full ownership of the Belgian club.

The transaction signals a shift towards locally anchored ownership, with the new shareholders outlining a long-term strategy focused on financial sustainability, sporting competitiveness and institutional stability rather than short-term investment.

The consortium has also confirmed that Chief Executive Officer Sven Jaecques will remain in his role, ensuring operational continuity during the transition.

Local Ownership at the Centre of the Strategy Royal Antwerp

The new ownership group says its ambition is to build Royal Antwerp FC around strong local foundations while preserving the club's historic identity and its relationship with supporters, the city of Antwerp and the wider community.

Rather than announcing immediate structural changes, the consortium has opted for continuity within the executive team while introducing a new governance framework. Former Port of Antwerp-Bruges CEO Jacques Vandermeiren has been asked to assemble a new Board of Directors and is expected to become the club's chairman.

Continuity Alongside Long-Term Investment

The consortium emphasised that Royal Antwerp will continue building on the infrastructure investments and sporting achievements delivered during the Gheysens family's ownership.

Future priorities include:

• Sustainable corporate governance

• Long-term financial stability

• Investment in football operations

• Talent development

• Continued infrastructure development

• Strategic recruitment and scouting

  
  

CEO Sven Jaecques said the next phase will require disciplined sporting planning, targeted investments and continued opportunities for academy graduates.

Executive Comments

Incoming chairman Jacques Vandermeiren described Royal Antwerp as an institution that extends beyond football.

"This club is much more than a football club. It connects people, businesses and generations of people from Antwerp."

CEO Sven Jaecques said the club's next stage will be built around realistic sporting planning, strong scouting and continued investment in player development.

Meanwhile, Wouter Vandenhaute and Toby Alderweireld thanked the Antwerp-based entrepreneurs who joined the consortium, describing their commitment as a demonstration of long-term responsibility towards the club's future.

The consortium also acknowledged the contribution of Paul Gheysens and his family, acknowledging that their investment helped restore Royal Antwerp to the top of Belgian football through infrastructure development, domestic success and European competition.