The least we can say is that the recent changes in national team selections experienced by the Belgian Federation continue to generate a lot of discussion and also frustrate the National Technical Director (DTN).
He has been questioned by various media outlets and has put forward a new strategy, somewhat demagogic, it must be said, for the future of the Belgian national teams…
‘Before selecting them, they must let us know if they want to choose Belgium,’ Mannaert continued. ‘They were born here and received their education in Belgium, where clubs have invested a lot of time and energy. And if at some point they decide not to choose Belgium, it’s their right, but we will continue with the players who do wish to play for us.’
Regarding our neo-Lion, the double scorer from Bruges in the Champions League against Atalanta in the return play-offs, Talbi expressed that a significant disappointment hurt him when the Federation was not present during his cruciate ligament rupture and recovery in 2023.
‘I tried to restore that trust, but ultimately it wasn’t enough to make him choose Belgium,’ stated the DTN.
The DTN asserts that he and the new coach Rudy Garcia are in agreement on this matter. The only concern remains the FIFA regulations, which they cannot challenge or counter. Given the legislation as it stands, if a player wishes to change national teams while being within their rights, it will be impossible for the Belgian Federation to go against that… this story seems far from over.
