State aid: Commission approves €2.5 million Belgian scheme to support professional sport clubs in Flemish and Brussels Regions in the context of the coronavirus outbreak

The European Commission has approved a €2.5 million Belgian scheme to support professional sport clubs in the Flemish and Brussels Regions that have been participating in club competitions during the coronavirus outbreak. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. The public support will take the form of direct grants of up to €150,000 per club. The measure is addressed to professional sports clubs that have experienced a significant revenue decline due to the coronavirus outbreak and the measures that the Belgian authorities had to impose to limit the spread of the virus. The scheme aims to address the liquidity needs of the beneficiaries and to help them continue their activities during and after the outbreak. The Commission found that the scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular, the support (i) will not exceed the limits per beneficiary set out in the Temporary Framework; and (ii) will be granted no later than 31 December 2021. The Commission concluded that the measure is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to remedy a serious disturbance in the economy of a Member State, in line with Article 107(3)(b) TFEU and the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. On this basis, the Commission approved the measure under EU State aid rules. More information on the Temporary Framework and other actions taken by the Commission to address the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic can be found here. The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case numbers SA.62466 in the State aid register on the Commission’s competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.