Belgian magistrate recuses in Footbelgate corruption case; hearing postponed

A magistrate recused himself during the indictment chamber hearing in the 'Footbelgate' corruption scandal, delaying proceedings for 33 suspects including former financial director Thierry Steemans. The recusal introduces procedural uncertainty in a case involving corruption, tax fraud, and money laundering in Belgian football. The development signals potential legal friction but does not alter the underlying charges.