KVM goalkeepers Gaëtan Coucke and Maxime Wenssens are both out with a corona infection. The club had therefore requested a postponement from the Pro League Calendar Committee. He did not go along with Mechelen’s story and decided not to postpone the match.
Today the sixth in the standings decided not to go to Leuven. It thus risks a forfeit defeat. “As board of directors, we were very disappointed in the decision of the Calendar Committee,” said Frank Lagast, CEO of KVM, in a press release.
“A day before the game, we received the message of refusal and the suggestion that we could call up an extra promise goalkeeper. Not all players of the promises are in the club’s test protocol.”
“Given the high infection rates, the club obviously does not choose to mix untested players with players who have passed a negative PCR test or have already received a booster shot. Everyone’s health comes first, always. We know that we now risk a flat defeat, but the health of our players comes first.”
KV Mechelen hopes for a change in the regulations. “We are making an urgent appeal to the Pro League to change the rule that says players under 21 do not count. Other clubs may experience the same, hopefully the interpretation of this rule will benefit the health of the players.” all players, for all clubs.”
Trainer Wouter Vrancken understands the decision of the Board of Directors of his club. “This week the training group consisted of a mix of players who had just come out of quarantine after an infection and players who received a booster shot. When it became clear that two goalkeepers had taken a positive test, I no longer gave the order in function of the game. to work.”
Assistant coach Steven Defour also fully supports the decision. “We definitely don’t want to take any risk by now drafting players in combination with untested players. You hear that potential heart problems can arise with intensive sports efforts after infection. We want to avoid any risk.”
