Anderlecht listed one Belgian-trained player too few in Bruges and could lose their point

Anderlecht's draw at Club Brugge on Sunday is heading for the disciplinary table. The official team sheet listed only five so-called football Belgians, while Jupiler Pro League rules require at least six. These are players who spent at least three seasons at a Belgian club before turning 21. According to Sporza and RTBF, only Mario Stroeykens, Colin Coosemans, Marco Kana, Ali Maamar and Jaden Onia Seke counted towards the quota.

Anderlecht admitted on Monday that something went wrong in the final selection after late changes before kick-off, calling it a human error that nobody noticed before, during or after the match. The Brussels club argue the mistake had no effect on the game. Club Brugge said they had taken note and, as is customary with irregularities, would ask the federation to open a case. The federation confirmed the breach of its rules to Voetbalkrant, referred the matter to the Disciplinary Council for Professional Football and declined further comment for now. An appeal is possible before the Belgian Court of Arbitration for Sport.

According to Sporza, Anderlecht risk losing their point or being handed a forfeit defeat, probably along with a fine. A forfeit would give Club Brugge two extra points, just as Union have overtaken them at the top. On the programme 90 minutes, pundits Gert Verheyen and Steven Defour said the result should stand but that a sanction would be justified.