One for the road: Brugge boss Mannaert told to quit drinking or lose his job

April 17 - Club Brugge CEO Vincent Mannaert (pictured) has admitted his alcohol addiction could force him out of the Belgian club.

"I have a problem with alcohol, which is not new. I am in therapy for it," Mannaert admitted in an interview with local media.

Mannaert has five drunk driving convictions and his drinking has led to strained relations at Club Brugge, including with chairman Bart Verhaeghe.

"I always work very well with Bart, but it's also true that he is not satisfied when such an incident occurs. He has shown it on several occasions.

"I was told that alcohol and the representation of Club Brugge no longer go well together. I have been in therapy for a year or two now. At some point I decided to take the plunge myself, also because I received a signal from my wife and children."

Mannaert has been reprimanded by the board and told that future workplace drunkenness will result in his departure. The club's CEO has been involved in incidents after Brugge's 4-0 Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid as well as after an away game in Ostend in the domestic league.

Mannaert was also a suspect in Operation Propere Handen, the widespread Belgian gambling fraud investigation, but reached a settlement with the federal prosecutor.

This season, Belgium's reigning champions Brugge have been a disappointment on the pitch, causing tension in the boardroom. At 15 million euros, record holder Roman Yaremchuk did not deliver on his promises. With Champions League qualification now impossible, the club face a €30m revenue loss for the first time in years. They could completely miss European competition next season.

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