The draw was beneficial for Genk and Westerlo, as the former qualified for the final round of the tournament and the latter escaped relegation (French)

A major scandal rocked Belgian football after Westerlo and Genk tied 1-1 in their last league match this season on the 17th of this month.

The two teams stopped playing after Brian Heynen equalized for Genk in the 86th minute.

Although Genk played with a reduced number after one of its players was sent off in the 71st minute, the Westerlo players were passing the ball among themselves as if both teams were satisfied with the result.

One Genk player even decided to do fitness exercises, and the players shook hands before the final whistle instead of trying to win.

This is because Westerlo needed only one point to escape relegation to the second division, while Genk needed only one point to finish sixth and ensure qualification to the final round of the tournament.

🤔 | The people of KVC Westerlo and KRC Genk are available in the air satisfactory of the match no. 🤝👀 #WESGNK pic.twitter.com/jcxiXJr9UP

— Eleven Belgium (FR) (@ElevenBeFR) March 17, 2024

Genk beat Gent, who dropped to last place in the qualifiers, by one point, and will compete for the league title, which provides an automatic place in the Champions League.

But the events of the match and the result were met with a violent reaction, as the president of the Belgian Football Association criticized the “trick of justice” and the “parody.” All 21 players on the field were fined, and the two team captains and coaches were suspended.

The two clubs could also be fined about 10,000 euros, due to what the Federal Prosecutor’s Office described as “flagrant fraud.”

The captains and coaches of the two technical teams were suspended for two matches, but Westerlo took another step by dismissing his coach, Rick De Mel.

The club issued a statement explaining its decision, which said: “The club has terminated the contract with coach Rick De Mel with immediate effect.”

The Public Prosecutor's Office criticized the two trainers for their role in this case, noting that they were capable of preventing what happened.

Fans also expressed their anger, and one of them said, "Jenk is a disgrace to football. I hope he is expelled from the tournament." Another added, "A real shame for football, which has become a corrupt and unenjoyable sport. It is sad."

Source: websites