This archive report was first published on 6 May 2020.
On May 6, 2020, the Belgian government announced it was suspending all sporting competitions until July 31, bringing an end to the country's football season as most clubs had hoped.
The Pro League, the association of Belgian clubs, acknowledged the decision and will review the 'end of season terms and conditions' during its general assembly scheduled on May 15.
Club Brugge, who were 15 points clear with 11 matches to play, would have become Belgian champions if the league was declared over.
The Belgian league had recommended declaring the season finished early due to the coronavirus pandemic, with the table accepted as final on April 2, making it the first European league to take such a measure.
However, UEFA called the decision 'premature' and 'unjustified' and threatened to deprive Belgian clubs of places in European competitions next season.
The Belgian government had already banned all mass gatherings until August 31.
Belgium would become the third European country to put an end to the 2019-20 campaign prematurely, following similar measures taken in the Netherlands and France.
Contrastingly, German Chancellor Angela Merkel gave the Bundesliga the green light to resume the season from mid-May behind closed doors.
