Chemsdine Talbi’s choice to represent Morocco at the international level has triggered significant fallout in Belgium, leading to internal changes within the Belgian Football Federation (RBFA).
Belgium’s Discontent Over Dual National Decisions
The decision by Talbi, who plays for Club Brugge, to commit his international future to Morocco, alongside Konstantinos Karetsas’ switch to Greece, has sparked frustration within Belgian football circles.
Former Belgian international Silvio Proto, who earned 13 caps for the national team, voiced his displeasure over the situation in a heated discussion on RTL Sport.
His criticism, however, was quickly countered by his fellow panelists, who defended the right of dual nationals to make their own choices.
Belgian Federation Takes Action
In the wake of these developments, the RBFA has taken decisive action. Reports from Belgian media confirm that Kevin Vermeulen, the federation’s head of talent identification, has been dismissed from his role.
Vermeulen was primarily responsible for monitoring young dual-national players, a role that has gained increasing importance as Belgium seeks to secure long-term commitments from emerging talents.
Belgium’s Efforts to Retain Young Talent
In response to the growing trend of dual-national players opting for other countries, the Belgian federation has implemented a specialized unit tasked with scouting and engaging young prospects from the age of 12.
The aim is to build stronger ties with these players early in their development to encourage them to represent Belgium at the senior level.
Talbi’s decision, coupled with others like it, has intensified discussions within Belgian football about how to manage and retain promising talent with multiple international options.
Le choix de Chemsdine Talbi de jouer pour le Maroc 🇲🇦 fait grincer des dents en Belgique 🇧🇪🥶
Silvio Proto :
« Je me demande ce que leur a apporté le pays qu’ils ont choisi pour se dire “je vais rendre service à ce pays là”. »
🎥 @RTLsportsbe pic.twitter.com/GfgmxdGmMv
— BeFootball (@_BeFootball) March 3, 2025
