Verschueren slams Coucke actions at US World Cup trip

Anderlecht president Michael Verschueren has criticised the actions taken against club investor Marc Coucke during a business and football networking trip in the United States. Verschueren, 55, is in Seattle rather than with the Belgian national team at the World Cup. He arrived with confidence as RSC Anderlecht confirmed Vitor Bruno as the new head coach. “We will present many reinforcements in the coming weeks,” Verschueren said.

Verschueren’s visit to the US follows weeks of public disputes involving Coucke and club stakeholders. The president did not specify which actions he was referring to but stressed his condemnation during the trip. His comments come as Anderlecht finalises its summer squad overhaul under new sporting leadership.

RSC Anderlecht announced Vitor Bruno’s appointment last week, ending weeks of speculation over the club’s next manager. Verschueren described the timing of the announcement as reassuring for the club’s direction. “We feel ready to move forward with clear plans,” he added.

The president’s US trip also included meetings with potential commercial partners and football executives. Verschueren emphasised the importance of maintaining strong relationships abroad while addressing internal challenges. “Football and business go hand in hand,” he noted.

Coucke, a key investor in RSC Anderlecht, has been at the centre of recent boardroom tensions. Verschueren’s public remarks mark one of the first direct responses from club leadership regarding the ongoing situation.