But he still had shares in the company Grizzly Sports NV which held shares in the Club. Vincent Mannaert has decided to sell his shares to the president and majority shareholder of Bruges, Bart Verhaeghe. “It was an honor to lead the Club for 13 years”, explained Vincent Mannaert in a message published in a press release. At the same time, the new CEO, Bob Madou, also takes his place on the board of directors. “With the sale of the shares, I say my final goodbyes. I cherish the many unforgettable memories and wish my successors, and by extension the entire Club, every success”he concluded.
On the club's website, Bart Verhaeghe also explained this choice. “Vincent was at my side, at the cradle to form the current Club Brugge”, he begins. “After Vincent announced his retirement as CEO, this is a logical step. He will always be welcome at the Club. By purchasing the shares of Vincent himself, we are strengthening the local roots of the Club.”
President Bart Verhaeghe, ex-CEO Vincent Mannaert, Jan Boone and Peter Vanhecke together formed Grizzly Sports NV, the majority shareholder of the Club. President Bart Verhaeghe therefore bought the shares of Vincent Mannaert. In all likelihood, the negotiations for the departure of Vincent Mannaert were constructive.
All parties agreed: it did not serve the interests of the Club and the new CEO to have his predecessor in the way.
Regardless, the financial structure of Club Brugge does not really change. Grizzly Sports NV remains the main shareholder of the Club and Bart Verhaeghe takes on even more importance. The American investment group Orkila Capital – after the 50 million euros it injected into Club in 2021 – in turn holds around 25 percent of the shares. The remaining percentages are distributed among several small shareholders.
The end of Club Brugge's season can end in apotheosis. Nicky Hayen has perfectly straightened out his group to become the favorite in the Play-off race and is still in the running to win the Conference League. Bruges faces Fiorentina this Thursday for a match that promises to be explosive.
