In 1944, they joined the Royal Belgian Football Association and started playing in the lowest provincial league of East Flanders.

[3] After their first season in the third division, they moved to the bigger stadium of defunct club Sint-Niklase SKE, the Puyenbekestadion, changing their name to KV Red Star Waasland.

At the time of the shut down Waasland Beveren was in 16th position and was expected to relegate having their last game scheduled against KAA Gent.

After months of confusion the league decided to close the season the way it left off with one game remaining, without Waasland Beveren having a chance to save themselves competitively from relegation.

The court battle lasted for many weeks and finally justice was awarded in Waasland Beveren favour to remain in First Division.

In September 2020, an investment group consisting of American businessmen David Blitzer, Jahm Najafi, and Jeff Moorad purchased a 97% share in the club.