It is safe to say that, the Belgian Pro League was hoping that RWDM would beat Lokeren-Temse during the Challenger Pro League play-offs. The sides appearances in this years post-season is controversial, given that they have not been granted a licence for the top flight should they be promoted. The side were allowed to participate as they appeal the ruling, but it was clear that the football authorities hoped the situation would be over by now. However, Lokeren-Temse took down a stunned RWDM side to reach the final against Patro Eisden. The side have been in good form, and will be confident they can beat Patro and reach the final.
There, they would then face one of the sides already in the Pro League. At the moment this looks likely to be either Sint Truiden or Cercle Brugge. On paper, both of these sides would be favourites and could save the league a major headache. However, this is football, and anything could happen. There is now a chance that the side could win promotion without having been granted a license for the top flight. Lierse have already complained about the side even taking part in the play-offs without one in place, and they will feel rightly aggrieved if Lokeren manage to somehow win promotion and then be unable to take a place in the Pro League.
For the league, this would then be a worst case scenario, where they must then decide who takes that final spot in the Pro League. They would likely just opt to keep the team that was already there, but this would likely lead to some justified anger form Patro Eisden.
This is certainly a situation to watch over the next few weeks, as it will set a precedent for the future management of licenses and play-offs within the Belgian football structure at the highest level. Hopefully, the club will be able to secure a license before a play-off final if they manage to get past Patro Eisden.
GBeNeFNÂ |Â Ben Jackson
