Language debate over Van Bommel escalates in Wallonia despite positive results

Mark van Bommel, who has only been the national team coach of the Red Devils for a few months, has already sparked a heated debate along the language border. While Flanders emphasizes the positive development of play, there is much more skepticism in French‑speaking Belgium about his inability to speak French.

CEO Mannaert opposes communal interpretation

Vincent Mannaert, the new CEO of the KBVB, refuses to label the debate as a communal issue. He argues that too much emphasis is placed on the language a national team coach speaks and that this should not influence the assessment of Van Bommel.

“In fact, language should not play a role, but it is a given. The only thing we can do is achieve results, work in the long term and ensure that the players are on board with the narrative,” says Mannaert. He places the responsibility on Van Bommel and the performances of the Red Devils.

Different perceptions in earlier appointments

When Rudi Garcia was appointed, a clear difference in perception between Flanders and Wallonia was already noticeable. Now that Van Bommel does not speak French, language becomes a significant part of the discussion again.

Stéphane Pauwels sharply attacks Van Bommel in Belgium

Stéphane Pauwels (LN24) launched a harsh attack on both Van Bommel and the football association, stating that the choice for a Dutch national team coach was mainly a Flemish decision. Mannaert refuses to follow that reasoning.

The first four matches under Van Bommel yielded two victories (against Italy and Turkey) and two defeats (against France). The criticism, however, focuses mainly on the fact that the coach does not master French.

Mannaert dismisses the claim that the KBVB is becoming increasingly a Flemish affair. He emphasizes a “beautiful balance” within the association: the chairman is Flemish, the first vice‑chairman is Walloon, and the executive committee consists of three Flemings and two Walloons.

Vincent Mannaert as CEO Ik guides KBVB through political storm

He realizes that the perception will not simply disappear; as long as the national team coach does not speak the language of a part of the country, the issue is likely to keep resurfacing. Nevertheless, he does not want to make it a headline dossier and calls for focusing on the association’s task.