Disputed Anderlecht sale trial postponed again

The legal proceedings surrounding the contentious sale of the Royal Sporting Club Anderlecht (RSCA) to businessman Marc Coucke have been adjourned once more. The trial, previously postponed in February, was scheduled to be heard this Thursday before the Brussels Correctional Court.

The latest delay stems from a recusal request submitted by the lawyer representing Christophe Henrotay, Me Dimitri De Beco. Henrotay, a former player agent, stands accused alongside former CEO Jo Van Biesbroeck and ex-general manager Herman Van Holsbeeck. All are suspected of defrauding the Ghent-based billionaire during the club's sale in 2017.

Me De Beco stated that during discussions between the parties and the court regarding the scheduling of future hearings and a crucial procedural point affecting defense rights, the presiding judge took a stance that raised "founded suspicion" about her ability to handle the case with the necessary serenity and impartiality.

At the heart of the case is a commission dispute. In 2017, the club engaged Henrotay, an influential agent, to find buyers. He is entitled to a commission based on the sale price. After initial potential buyers withdrew, Marc Coucke made an offer of 59.2 million euros. Henrotay claimed his commission, but the club's outgoing management reportedly only agreed to pay one million euros of the three million proposed. According to the federal prosecutor's office, the defendants allegedly manipulated a player contract to ensure the remaining two million euros were paid to Marc Coucke, a claim the defendants deny.

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In the context of an exchange between the parties and the court concerning the organization of the next hearings but also an essential point of procedure that directly affects the rights of the defense, the president of the 89th chamber of the Brussels Correctional Court took a position that gave rise to founded suspicion as to her ability to deal with this case with the required serenity and impartiality.