BX Brussels

History

It affiliated to the Belgian FA on 25 June, receiving registration number 9026. Entering the third tier when it was expanding to 18 teams per division, Bleid struggled and spent much time in the relegation zone, escaping only because Racing Péruwelz was forced to forfeit eight games for fielding an ineligible player. The club finished one point above relegated Tongeren.

On 9 March 2010 officials conceded the club's financial position was dire and that bankruptcy was being considered. Avoiding bankruptcy, the club renamed to FC Bleid-Gaume to appeal to a wider audience. The following season saw no financial turbulence but a 14th-place finish, four points above the relegation play-offs. For 2011–12 the management aimed higher, but financial woes returned.

On 30 October 2011 the board announced impending bankruptcy and resigned, intending the club to cease activities by year's end. On 12 December a consortium of French investors led by Gregory Sellier and Maxime Bootz completed a takeover. The new owners hired World Cup winner Lionel Charbonnier as manager and announced a goal of reaching the Belgian Second Division within three years.

Did You Know?

• The club was founded in Bleid on 18 March 1986 by five fans, with Renato Di Felice as the first president.
• Manchester City defender Vincent Kompany bought the club in March 2013 and renamed it BX Brussels after a fan vote on 11 April 2013.