Resigning from your football club: when and how?

The resignation period: 1 to 30 April

Every amateur player has the right to end their registration with their club once a year. In Flanders this is laid down in the decree of 24 July 1996 on non-professional sportspeople, in the French Community in the decree of 3 May 2019. The RBFA regulations follow this: if you want your freedom, you must resign between 1 and 30 April. After that, it is too late.

You need no permission from your club and you do not have to give a reason. Clauses that would stop you joining another club after you resign, such as a non-compete clause, are in principle void.

The scheme applies to amateurs. If you are a paid sportsperson with a running contract, you are bound by that contract.

How to resign

• Online (recommended): through the resignation procedure on the Voetbal Vlaanderen website. You need your identity card or Kids-ID, a card reader and your mobile number, or that of a parent or guardian if you are a minor. Use Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox: Microsoft Edge does not support the procedure.
• Not working? Use the online form instead. Attach a document confirming your identity and date of birth. If you are a minor, your legal representative must also confirm the request by email.
• Still not working? Send a registered letter in duplicate to your club and to the Voetbal Vlaanderen registrations department (Romeinsesteenweg 468, 1853 Strombeek-Bever). State your full name, date of birth, address and the name of your club, and sign the letter, or have your legal representative sign it if you are a minor. The letter must be posted by 30 April.

Playing for an ACFF club (Wallonia and Brussels)? The same dates apply, because they are in the federal regulations. For the practical procedure, follow the ACFF's instructions.

What happens after you resign?

• The RBFA registers your resignation and confirms it to you and your club.
• You remain eligible for your current club until 30 June, so you can finish the season as normal.
• Your resignation covers all football disciplines, unless you limit it to a specific one.
• From 15 May you can join a new club. You can even sign earlier with a memo date.
• Your resignation takes effect on 1 July. From then on you are eligible for your new club.
• If you join by 31 August, you can play for the first team straight away. If you join later, you cannot play for the first team that season, only for the reserves, youth teams or veterans.

Changed your mind? You can go back

Resigning is a right, not an obligation. If you decide to stay after all, you can re-register with your last club under the normal registration rules, without playing restrictions. A re-registration carries an administrative fee of €12.50.

Missed April?

After 30 April you can only leave with your club's consent (an ordinary or ‘witte’ transfer) or, in special circumstances, through an administrative transfer.