By Samindra Kunti
March 4 – Local law enforcement authorities are investigating possible tax evasion and a conflict of interests at the Belgian FA KBVB. The torrent of allegations of financial mismanagement may make the position of KBVB president François De Keersmaecker (pictured) untenable.
De Keersmaecker has vehemently denied accusations of fraud, but his reign as KBVB president has been turbulent throughout. De Keersmaecker has been president since 2006.
Durng his tenure he has enjoyed the ascension of Belgium’s national team to the top of world football. For the KBVB the 2014 World Cup was a highlight with Belgium participating for the first time since 2002 in FIFA’s flagship event. The Red Devils progressed to the quarterfinals, where they faltered against Argentina. Gonzalo’s Higuain scored the only goal of the game.
The KBVB netted an all-time high revenue of €60 million in 2014, but an internal audit surfaced, revealing that the KBVB closed out 2014 with a €206,000 deficit. There were also questionable contracts with Bonka Circus, the production house owned by Vincent Kompany, and advertising agency Boondoggle.
Local tax authorities [BBI] and the Brussels public prosecutor are investigating KBVB finances and are focusing on the image rights of the national team players; possible conflict of interests during Belgium’s joint bid with Holland for the 2018 World Cup; fraud surrounding salaries and expenses; and possible embezzlement of subsidies for Brussels’s EURO2020 bid. For a while now, the BBI has also been investigating a number of the fiscal constructions of top Belgian football players.
The wide scope of the investigations will increase the pressure on De Keersmaecker. This summer Belgium will be one of the favorites to win EURO2016.
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1734835548labto1734835548ofdlr1734835548owedi1734835548sni@i1734835548tnuk.1734835548ardni1734835548mas1734835548