RWDM Brussels, a Belgian second division side, has been deducted three points for failing to repay debts, including a transfer fee owed to Canadian Premier League side Forge FC for the signing of Kwasi Poku in 2024.
Poku, 23, had established himself as one of the CPL's most exciting players before his move, scoring ten goals in 21 matches after being converted from left-back into a striker role. His transfer to RWDM set a CPL record, with the fee rumoured to be around $830,000 CAD.
RWDM's financial troubles extend beyond Forge, with the club also listing FC Nordsjælland as a creditor in an official statement.
In October last year, the club was hit with a transfer ban — which has yet to be lifted — for failing to provide proof of payment of federal and social debts, and has now been handed a three-point deduction as a consequence, alongside a further one-point penalty to carry into the 2026/27 season.
The club is owned by John Textor, the American businessman who controls Brazilian side Botafogo and French outfit Olympique Lyonnais through Eagle Football Holdings.
In response, RWDM said they considered the decision "severe and premature in light of the significant efforts made in recent months to ensure its financial and operational stability," adding that they had fully cooperated with authorities and that deferral agreements reached with Nordsjælland and Forge had not been taken into account in the commission's final assessment.
The Belgian club also stressed that the required amounts had been secured, and that they intend to appeal the decision if necessary — meaning the three-point deduction may yet be overturned.
Kwasi Poku joined Forge in 2022, initially sharing the left-back role with Ashtone Morgan and typically coming off the bench.
His crossing ability quickly stood out in the league, earning him more playing time and eventually a starting role — though not at left-back.
In 2024, during the second leg of the Canadian Championship against CF Montréal, the then-21-year-old was deployed as a number nine, scoring the winning goal as Forge defeated an MLS side for the first time in their history.
Having nailed down the striker role, he went on to score nine more goals — one against Toronto — in 14 appearances, adding two assists in the process.
His performances attracted interest from Europe and the United States, ultimately leading to his transfer to RWDM Brussels, where he has now been for nearly two years. An injury, however, derailed his progress, sidelining him for more than half a season and limiting him to just 25 appearances so far, in which he has scored five times.
In October 2024, he received his first call-up to the Canadian national team, coming off the bench in a 2-1 friendly win over Panama at BMO Field.
Whether the Hammers will be paid for his services remains to be seen, with RWDM now facing the very real prospect of bankruptcy.
The club is in danger of being denied a licence to compete in the second tier next season, with Belgian outlet HNB reporting that recently published annual accounts show RWDM suffered a loss of €14.5 million last season, an improvement on the €25.2 million recorded the year prior.
The club has until March 16 to find a buyer or reorganization that can satisfy the licensing committee and demonstrate the club's ability to function as a football club next season, though HNB describes the chances of this happening as virtually nonexistent.
According to HNB, the majority shareholder, Eagle Football Holdings, can no longer guarantee RWDM's continued existence.
TrueNorthFoot has reached out to Forge FC for comment and will update the story once a response is received.
