Belgian Football Association CEO Steven Martens steps down

Steven Martens stepped down yesterday as CEO of the Belgian Football Association (FA). He will receive compensation from the FA, which implies that he was asked to resign.

After persistent accusations of financial mismanagement, Martens (pictured) resigned as CEO, claiming he made the decision on Friday after losing a vote of confidence at an FA board meeting. According to various media, sources within the board suggest that Martens wanted to stay until June but was requested to leave by FA president François De Keersmaeker, among others.

Two weeks ago, an internal audit of the FA shed light on Martens’ financial policies, and in particular a loss of around €200,000. It also brought about criticism of his contracts with Vincent Kompany’s TV production house Bonka Circus, as well as advertising agency Boondoggle.

According to FA board member Joseph Allijns, Martens’ position was no longer tenable.