August 29 – After growing discontent, the Belgian FA (KBVB) and their CEO Piet Vandendriessche have parted ways, the governing body confirmed on Wednesday.
In a brief statement, the KBVB wrote: “The board of directors will search for a new CEO, and in the meantime, in cooperation with the management committee, will ensure the proper functioning of the organization. Piet’s efforts have laid a solid foundation for the future of the KBVB.”
On Monday, Vandendriessche had to account for his management at a board of directors meeting which then quickly moved to remove him.
His departure caps a turbulent summer at the Belgian FA. Previously, operational director Jelle Schelstraete was dismissed. Technical director Frank Vercauteren’s contract will not be extended after a disappointing round-of-16 exit at Euro 2024.
His salary package was also considered excessive under the austerity policies of Vandendriessche. In 2023, the Belgian FA made a loss of €11 million, compelling Vandendriessche to apply cuts.
This summer Vincent Mannaert, previously CEO at Club Brugge, was a candidate to join the FA and restructure football operations. The members of the sporting committee were keen but the CEO believed, according to Belgian media, that it was a manoeuver by the professional clubs to gain more influence over the national team.
The KBVB has not appointed an interim CEO, but Mannaert may enter the frame again. He is not without controversy. A driver of success and commercial growth at Club Brugge, he admitted to having an alcohol addiction and has been convicted five times for drunk driving. Mannaert was also a suspect in operation ‘Clean Hands’ but accepted a settlement from the prosecutor’s office.
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