2023–24 Belgian Division 2 Explained

Competition:Belgian Division 2
Season:2023–24
Dates:26 August 2023 – 12 May 2024
Winners:Aalst (VV A), Belisia (VV B), Mons (ACFF)
Promoted:Ninove, Merelbeke, Jong Cercle, Belisia, Hasselt, Lyra-Lierse, Mons, Rochefort, Tubize-Braine, Tournai, Binche, Stockay, Union SG B
Relegated:Aalst, Mandel United, Wetteren, Overijse, Londerzeel, City Pirates, Warnant, Hamoir, Rebecq
Prevseason:2022–23
Nextseason:2024–25

The 2023–24 Belgian Division 2 was the eighth season of the division in its current format, placed at the fourth-tier of football in Belgium.

Team changes

In

Out

Merger

Belgian Division 2 VV A

League table

Period Champions

  • 1st Period: Aalst (20 Points (out of 30))
  • 2nd Period: Oostkamp (25 Points (out of 36))
  • 3rd Period: Aalst (24 Points (out of 36))

Belgian Division 2 VV B

League table

Period Champions

Belgian Division 2 ACFF

League table

Period Champions

  • 1st Period: Mons (30 Points)
  • 2nd Period: Mons (25 Points)
  • 3rd Period: Mons (30 Points)

Promotion play-offs

Promotion play-offs VV

The play-offs feature eight teams, the two second-place finishers in divisions VV A and VV B as well as from each division the winners of each of the three periods (for periods won by overall champions or runners-up the highest team not yet qualified takes the spot instead). The eight teams play a knockout tournament, with all teams unseeded when setting up the draw. Due to the reform of the Belgian National Division 1 (into a separate VV and ACFF division) and uncertainty about the number of VV teams to be relegated from the Challenger Pro League, it was uncertain at the start of the playoffs how many teams would be promoted. In any case, at most one U23 team would be promoted.

Qualified teams:

  • Hasselt (runner-up division VV B)
  • Jong Cercle (highest place eligible finisher (5th) not directly qualified from division VV A)
  • Jong Essevee (2nd highest place eligible finisher (9th) not directly qualified from division VV A)
  • Jong KV Mechelen (winner period 1 division VV B)
  • Lyra-Lierse Berlaar (highest place eligible finisher (3rd) not directly qualified from division VV B)
  • Merelbeke (winner period 3 division VV A)
  • Ninove (runner-up division VV A)
  • Rupel Boom (highest place eligible finisher (4th) not directly qualified from division VV B)

Round 1

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After completion of round 1, it was nearly certain that the four winners would all be promoted, as six spots were available for VV teams with the first two spots taken by champions Eendracht Aalst and Belisia Bilzen, and the four round 1 winners included only one U23 team. On 17 May 2024, this was confirmed as Oostende would not be receiving a license to play in the Challenger Pro League (and thus be relegated), but would also not be receiving a license for the National Division 1, meaning it would directly relegate two levels meaning still six spots opened up, and the four round 1 winners were instantly promoted. Further rounds were thus canceled, as well as the consolation round for possible extra spots (where Jong Essevee had been drawn at home to Ninove, and Jong KV Mechelen was to host Rupel-Boom). A final twist followed a few days later when news was released that Division VV A winners Eendracht Aalst had been refused a license to be promoted and per the rules, this meant the automatic promoted shifted to the next highest eligible team Ninove, despite the fact they had lost the promotion playoffs a few days prior.

In the end, Hasselt, Jong Cercle, Lyra-Lierse Berlaar, Merelbeke and Ninove were promoted.

Promotion play-offs ACFF

The play-offs feature four teams, the second-place finishers and the winners of each of the three periods (for periods won by overall champions or runners-up the highest team not yet qualified takes the spot instead). Overall champions Mons had won all three periods and hence the four highest eligible finishers were taking part:

Qualified teams:

  • Binche (3rd highest place eligible finisher (5th) not directly qualified from division ACFF)
  • Rochefort (runner-up division ACFF)
  • Tournai (2nd highest place eligible finisher (4th) not directly qualified from division ACFF)
  • Tubize-Braine (highest place eligible finisher (3rd) not directly qualified from division ACFF)

Going into the playoffs it was already certain that all teams would be promoted due to the reform of the National Division 1 which was split into a VV and ACFF division. The playoffs were played nevertheless.

Round 1

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All four teams were promoted.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Le Stade Verviétois, nouveau club issu de la fusion entre le Stade Disonais et le CS Verviers, visera la Nationale 1 . 2024-01-29 . RTBF . fr.