By Samindra Kunti
May 28 – Belgian club KV Mechelen are gunning for European qualification again as they take on Charleroi in the playoffs. A refurbished stadium must revive a club that went nearly bankrupt in 2003.
Late in the 80’s KV Mechelen was one of Belgium’s most respected clubs. ‘Malinwa’ won the Belgian cup in 1987 and the UEFA’s Cup Winners’ Cup in 1988, beating Ajax Amsterdam in the final by the narrowest of margins. They went on to win UEFA Supercup that summer, defeating PSV Eindhoven. KV Mechelen were crowned Belgian champions the following season.
Chairman John Cordier left KV Mechelen in 1993, but had exhausted the club’s financial resources. KV Mechelen were relegated to the second division and faced bankruptcy during the 2002/2003 season. Mark Uytterhoeven, a local TV celebrity, Piet den Boer and FI Van Hoof founded non-profit organiation ‘Red KV Mechelen’ to save the club from folding.
Red KV Mechelen gathered about €660,000 through benefactors and fans, nearly 17% of the entire claim against the club. Stakeholders approved the liquidation of the KV Mechelen, which subsequently was forced to play in the third division.
Under the guidance of coach Peter Maes KV Mechelen returned to the top-flight in 2007.
Tonight KV Mechelen squares off in a two-legged playoff against Charleroi with a Europa League ticket for the winner at stake.
Irrespective of qualification, the club projects a growth of 32% by 2022. The transformation of the ‘Argosstadion’ into the AFAS stadium will raise the capacity from 13,000 to 18,500. The refurbishment will cost €9.1 million.
The club is investing €850,000 and issuing bonds for €3.5 million, private investors are contributing €4 million and the local government is subsidizing for €750,000. In the future the club hopes to host European club football on a regular basis at its new stadium.
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