On the program, several varied subjects such as sporting ambitions, growth objectives, infrastructure projects and the club’s societal commitment.
Selected pieces of a few tweets from Julien Parcinski, our journalist on site.
“My 10th visit to Charleroi in 15 months”
After a few introductory words from Mehdi Bayat, David Helmer speaks: “Charleroi is an important project for me as proven by my tenth visit in 15 months here.”
David Helmer recalls that “50% of the club’s income depends on the sale of players”. “The strategy is established to qualify for PO1 and the European Cup.”
gull50% of the club’s income depends on the sale of players
Reach an average of 10,000 spectators per match
The American leader also recalls the importance of supporters, “the community”, in this project.
“We want to reach an average of 10,000 spectators. This is a significant mark. We also want to reward the loyalty of the fans and offer them a memorable experience at the stadium.”
On revenues, David Helmer hopes to “increase them by 5 to 10%”.
gullWe also want to reward the loyalty of fans and offer them a memorable experience at the stadium.
Develop the training center
The area of training is addressed: “It must be developed, it’s a virtuous circle.”
The slide indicates that the objective is to bring two players from the training center to the pro team each year including 1 starter, 3 elements by 2027 with 2 starters. And to be one of the 6 best training centers in Belgium.
A 2-year contract with Mehdi Bayat
David Helmer states that “all income generated by the club must remain in the club. I have seen the financial statements for the last 5 years. It does not go into anyone else’s pockets. I insist on that.”
The shareholder informs that a 2-year contract was signed with Mehdi Bayat this summer. “He has objectives to accomplish in terms of performance. There will be an evaluation and measurement of the work accomplished. This is the direction to follow.”
David Helmer also addresses the subject of transparency: “Fabien Debecq and I are owners. We don’t receive any money from the club. When I come to Belgium, I pay for my plane ticket out of my own pocket, the rental of my car. The club only pays for my nights at the Van der Valk hotel.
gullFabien Debecq and I are owners. We don’t receive any money from the club. When I come to Belgium, I pay out of my own pocket for my plane ticket and the rental of my car
“Mehdi receives money because he is an employee of the club. We pay him at market level. There is no double remuneration. If he decides to take a step aside, we could offer the contract to someone else.”
“There are clear objectives. If they are not achieved, we will ask ourselves the question: is this the right person to do the right job? This was clearly said between the two of us.”
“It’s called good governance,” adds Mehdi Bayat.
The new stadium: conclude the financial project at the end of the year
The subject of the new stadium is mentioned: “We are still analyzing how we can reduce construction costs. By the end of the calendar year, we hope to be able to conclude the financial project in order to begin construction in 2025”.
“We still hope to enter it by 2027,” continues Mehdi Bayat.
David Helmer adds: “Some might say we’re always pushing the deadline, but believe me, we’re working on it every day.”
gullWe still hope to enter by 2027
The transfer window: Bayat “will be judged on quality”
We ask David Helmer about the transfer window: I obviously have my opinions. I have my point of view, I share it internally.”
“In the CEO’s contract, I will be judged on the quality of the transfer window established whether on incoming or outgoing transfers,” concludes Mehdi Bayat.
gullI will be judged on the quality of the transfer window established whether on incoming or outgoing transfers
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