What is a ‘witte transfer’ (white transfer) in Belgian football?

Witte transfer = ordinary transfer

The Belgian FA (RBFA/KBVB) regulations recognise three types of transfer: the ordinary transfer, the administrative transfer and the international transfer. The term ‘witte transfer’ does not appear in the regulations, but it is what Flemish clubs and players call the ordinary transfer.

An ordinary transfer is completed as soon as the consent of both clubs and the player has been properly registered. Without your current club's consent it is not an ordinary transfer. You then have two other routes: resigning in April or, in special circumstances, an administrative transfer.

How does an ordinary transfer work?

• You agree terms with your new club.
• Your new club files the transfer request on the federation's digital platform (e-Kickoff).
• You give your consent online.
• Your current club has 30 calendar days to approve or refuse the transfer. If it does not respond in time, you are automatically assigned to your new club (or on the chosen memo date).
• The new club pays an administrative fee of €12.50 to the federation.

To check whether your transfer has gone through, ask the club that filed the request: it can follow it up in e-Kickoff.

When is an ordinary transfer possible?

An ordinary transfer is possible all year round, but the timing decides where you can play:

• From 15 June to 31 August: you can play for your new club without restrictions. A transfer completed before 1 July only counts from 1 July, as the first transfer of the new season.
• From 1 September to 14 June: the transfer is still possible, but you are not eligible for official first-team matches for the rest of the season. You can play for the reserves, youth teams and veterans.

This first-team restriction does not apply in recreational football. There are exceptions for women players and for paid players in the higher divisions.

Can my club refuse an ordinary transfer?

Yes. An ordinary transfer requires your current club's consent, so it can refuse. Agreements between clubs about a transfer must be in writing and comply with FIFA regulations, the federation's regulations and Belgian law.

If your club refuses, two options remain:

• Resign between 1 and 30 April. You need no consent, but you can only join your new club from 15 May and play for it from 1 July.
• Apply for an administrative transfer in special circumstances, such as moving house or being surplus to the squad. You will then usually not be able to play for the first team that season.