Excelsior Mouscron have been forced to withdraw from the Belgian football league, the financially-stricken club have confirmed.

GettyImagesEmile Mpenza: The Belgium international striker used to play for Excelsior.

The bankrupt club have forfeited their third match in a row, leading to an automatic exclusion, while all their players will soon be free agents.

It is thought the reasons behind the forfeited games is that players were unwilling to risk injury knowing their contracts were soon to be terminated.

"Royal Excelsior Mouscron will not play this Wednesday at Westerlo and this third forfeit will lead to a general forfeit," a statement on the club's official website said.

"A meeting took places with the players and the employees. Their C4s [notices of termination] will be delivered before the end of the month.

"According to the liquidators, who are going to do everything to save the registration of the club, a partial continuation of activity remains possible through Futurosport, the academy.''

The results from all Excelsior's matches have now been cancelled meaning that Club Brugge, who drew with them, are now two points off leaders Anderlecht, rather than three.

Only one team in the Jupiler League will now face the possibility of relegation. There had been reports that English Premier League club Manchester City were set to launch a last ditch bid to dave the club, but there have been no developments.

Excelsior, who have debts of €800,000, are hopeful of being able to return to the football league next season where they will likely start in the third division.