Anderlecht Announce Leadership Changes After Prolonged Title Drought as Verschueren Becomes President

Key Takeaways:

• Michael Verschueren was appointed as president of Anderlecht following an extraordinary board meeting
• Kenneth Bornauw became CEO despite lacking previous football experience, selected by the main shareholder
• Fan protests and lack of recent trophies prompted Wouter Vandenhaute to resign as chairman last month

Major Leadership Shuffle at Anderlecht

Anderlecht, Belgium’s most decorated football club, has announced a sweeping leadership change after persistent pressure from its supporters and ongoing struggles on the pitch. Michael Verschueren, aged 55, has stepped into the role of president, replacing Wouter Vandenhaute who vacated the position a month ago following vocal fan unrest. Kenneth Bornauw has taken up the position of CEO, in addition to his role as general manager at Mauve, a jewellery and cosmetics company. Despite his inexperience in football, Bornauw was handpicked by the club’s principal shareholder to assume these responsibilities. The appointments were confirmed to the Belga news agency after an extraordinary board session.

🚨 | RSC Anderlecht kondigt twee nieuwe bestuursleden aan. 👔👇

Michael Verschueren: Voorzitter
Kenneth Bornauw: CEO pic.twitter.com/JIyZeKwxpn

— DAZN België (@DAZN_BENL) October 15, 2025

Vandenhaute’s Resignation and Board Approval

Wouter Vandenhaute’s tenure came under scrutiny after Anderlecht were eliminated from all European competitions during the qualifying rounds, sullying a five-year spell marked by unmet expectations. On 1 September, Vandenhaute formally offered his resignation to the board and immediately took leave. The directors, with the backing of majority shareholder Marc Coucke, voted unanimously for his departure.

Verschueren’s Return and Family Legacy

Michael Verschueren returns to Anderlecht for the fourth time, having previously occupied several executive positions within the club. His most recent departure was in September 2023. He is the son of the late Michel Verschueren, a club legend who managed Anderlecht from 1980 to 2003 and passed away in September 2022.

Historic Club, Recent Hardships

Anderlecht boasts a formidable history, with 34 Belgian league titles to their name. However, their last title triumph dates back to 2017. The Brussels side have also enjoyed European glory by winning the UEFA Cup once, the Cup Winners’ Cup on two occasions, and clinching the European Super Cup twice.

Despite this illustrious past, the previous decade has inflicted hardship on the club, including severe financial distress, episodes of administration, and periods subject to transfer bans. The lack of recent domestic and continental success fuelled dissatisfaction among supporters, who staged repeated protests and eventually compelled Vandenhaute’s exit from the presidency.