Despite promotion, Beerschot chairman resigns after dissatisfaction with Sheffield United owner | OneFootball

As reported by Het Nieuwsblad, Beerschot’s chairman Francis Vrancken has stepped down in his role at the club. The reason appears to be because of the rejection of the sale of his 12.5% share to a Chinese party. Beerschot, who are co-owned by Prince Abdullah, owner of Sheffield Untied, recently gained promotion to the top flight of Belgian football. The side has been up for sale all year, but it appears that there have been internal disagreements about the sale of the club.

Vrancken has been in his role for six seasons, overseeing the sides promotion and subsequent relegation from the Belgian top flight. United World, linked to Sheffield United, have a 75% ownership of the club. The other 12.5% of the club is owned by Philippe Verellen, a business friend of Vrancken who bought his share from the chairman.

This situation will certainly cause concern amongst the clubs fans. They won promotion from the Challenger Pro League despite what many have claimed is a lack of interest from the Saudi Arabian ownership, and with the increased budget and resources required to remain in the top flight, next season already looks like it could be a challenge.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson