Royal Antwerp FC has entered a new era of ownership after a consortium of Antwerp-based entrepreneurs, alongside 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 marks a shift towards locally anchored ownership, with the new shareholder group focusing on financial sustainability, sporting competitiveness and institutional stability rather than short-term investment.
The consortium has also confirmed that CEO Sven Jaecques will remain in his position, ensuring operational continuity during the transition.
Local ownership at the centre of the strategy
The new ownership group aims to build Royal Antwerp on 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 introducing immediate structural changes, the consortium has opted for continuity within the executive team while preparing a new governance framework.
Former Port of Antwerp-Bruges CEO Jacques Vandermeiren has been tasked with assembling a new Board of Directors and is expected to become the club’s chairman.
Long-term investment and sporting continuity
The new owners have stressed that Royal Antwerp will continue building on the infrastructure investments and sporting achievements delivered during the Gheysens family’s tenure.
The club’s priorities include:
- Sustainable corporate governance
- Long-term financial stability
- Investment in football operations
- Talent development
- Continued infrastructure investment
- Strategic recruitment and scouting
CEO Sven Jaecques said the next phase would require disciplined sporting planning, targeted investment and continued opportunities for academy graduates.
“This club is much more than a football club”
Incoming chairman Jacques Vandermeiren described Royal Antwerp as an institution that extends far beyond football.
“This club is much more than a football club. It connects people, businesses and generations of people from Antwerp.”
Jaecques said the club’s next phase would 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 involvement as a demonstration of long-term responsibility towards the club’s future.
The new ownership group also acknowledged the contribution of Paul Gheysens and his family, whose investment helped restore Royal Antwerp to the top of Belgian football through infrastructure development, domestic success and European competition.