Steve Van den Kerkhof steps aside as Royal Antwerp FC condemns personal attacks

Royal Antwerp FC announced on Tuesday that board member Steve Van den Kerkhof will relinquish his mandate, citing recent personal attacks on a club official as the catalyst for his decision. The Belgian club said the attacks, which it described as disrespectful and aimed at a single individual, had disrupted the internal atmosphere and prompted the step aside. In its official statement, Royal Antwerp FC expressed regret over the "personal and disrespectful attacks of the past weeks, mainly directed at one person". The club condemned the attacks as contrary to its values and harmful to the club's unity. According to the statement, the attacks originated from a limited group of individuals and did not contribute to the Great Old's development. Royal Antwerp FC warned that such actions "place the focus on individuals to sow discord within the club". The board noted that the resulting negative atmosphere was not in the club's interest. It also highlighted that, for a considerable period, work has been carried out discreetly on a "structural and sustainable policy to bring the club back to the top". Steve Van den Kerkhof informed the board that he would step down to preserve calm and prioritize the club's interests, as noted in the statement: "To keep the peace and put the club's interest first, Steve Van den Kerkhof informed the board that he is relinquishing his mandate". The board expressed regret at his departure but said it respects his decision. While stepping aside, Van den Kerkhof will continue to assist remotely with several ongoing dossiers to ensure continuity of daily operations. Royal Antwerp FC said this arrangement will prevent important projects from stalling as the club prepares for the new season.