Coupe du Roi - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. The Coupe du Roi, also known as the King's Cup, is the premier knockout cup competition in Belgian football. It is organized by the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA).
- 2. The competition was first held in 1908, making it one of the oldest cup competitions in Belgian football.
- 3. The tournament is open to all clubs in the top four divisions of Belgian football, as well as amateur teams from the lower divisions.
- 4. The format of the Coupe du Roi is a single-elimination knockout tournament, with matches played at the home ground of one of the participating teams.
- 5. The winner of the Coupe du Roi earns a spot in the following season's UEFA Europa League, unless they have already qualified for European competition through their league position.
- 6. The most successful club in the history of the Coupe du Roi is Club Brugge, who have won the competition 11 times.
- 7. The current holders of the Coupe du Roi are KAA Gent, who won the 2020-21 edition of the tournament by defeating Club Brugge in the final.
- 8. The final of the Coupe du Roi is traditionally held at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels, which has a capacity of over 50,000 spectators.
- 9. The Coupe du Roi is known for producing surprise winners, with clubs from lower divisions occasionally making deep runs in the competition and causing upsets against top-flight teams.
- 10. The Coupe du Roi is an important competition in Belgian football, providing clubs with the opportunity to win silverware and qualify for European competition. It is a prestigious tournament that is eagerly contested by teams from across the country.