A new era begins as Vandenhaute and Alderweireld take charge of Antwerp

Royal Antwerp FC has officially changed hands as a consortium led by entrepreneur Wouter Vandenhaute and former defender Toby Alderweireld completed the takeover, ending Paul Gheysens’ tenure and promising a fresh start for the historic club in the Great Old’s quest for new momentum.

The takeover was officially confirmed when a group of Antwerp entrepreneurs signed an agreement with the Gheysens family for the total acquisition of Royal Antwerp FC. The deal marks the end of the era overseen by Paul Gheysens, who handed over the reins after a period described as one of the club’s golden ages.

Sven Jaecques will remain Chief Executive Officer, continuing to manage the club’s daily operations together with his team. His ongoing role provides continuity amid the ownership transition.

Jacques Vandermeiren, previously an independent administrator of the Great Old, has been appointed the new president of Royal Antwerp FC. His appointment follows the consortium’s agreement and signals a reshuffle at the top of the club’s hierarchy.

Vandermeiren praised Antwerp as the country’s largest industrial city, stating, "For a long time people said Antwerp entrepreneurs did not engage enough. Today we prove the opposite. After years as CEO of the Port of Antwerp‑Bruges, I am proud to bring my experience to serve Antwerp. This team is more than a football club; it connects people, businesses and generations of Antwerp citizens." The quote underscores the economic and social ambition behind the takeover.

The Vandenhaute‑Alderweireld duo expressed gratitude to the local business community, saying, "We thank the Antwerp entrepreneurs of our new consortium. Their commitment and love for the club have deeply moved us. Together we are ready to assume responsibility for the future of Royal Antwerp FC. Recent months have confirmed that confidence, respect and shared ambition can build a solid team, quietly and confidently, giving us great faith in what can still grow here in the years to come." Their statement highlights the strategic vision for the club’s future.

Le Great Old wants to regain new momentum with Toby Alderweireld and Wouter Vandenhaute at the helm, a sentiment echoed in the club’s communication. La reprise de l'Antwerp est actée! The announcement also featured a photo credit: "Photo: © photonews NOUVEAU Reçois des notifications pour chaque news importante!" and a call to action, "Inscris‑toi ICI!" encouraging supporters to stay informed.

C'était un secret de moins en moins bien gardé depuis quelques semaines : le duo de choc Vandenhaute‑Alderweireld va tenter de redresser l'Antwerp, en nette perte de vitesse depuis son doublé sous Mark van Bommel il y a maintenant trois ans. This context underlines the urgency of the new leadership.

The club’s outreach also included the slogan "Deviens fan de Antwerp!" and a stylised message in Dutch: "Een consortium van Antwerpse ondernemers heeft, samen met clubicoon Toby Alderweireld en ondernemer Wouter Vandenhaute, een akkoord…" reinforcing the local partnership narrative.

Finally, the communication concluded with another subscription invitation: "Inscrivez‑vous maintenant à la newsletter de Walfoot," urging fans to join the club’s mailing list for ongoing updates.