Willems previously spent 13 years at UEFA. (RBFA imagery)

Belgian soccer’s RBFA governing body has elevated Peter Willems to become its new chief executive.

Willems, whose former roles include stints at European soccer’s UEFA as well as Belgium’s Pro League competition, has been appointed with a mandate until the end of 2025.

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Following 13 years at UEFA, between 2005 and the end of 2018, Willems spent two years as a part-time Pro League board member before joining the RBFA as director of sports and refereeing in February this year.

The move from the RBFA comes with the body having, in late August, dispensed with the services of its chief executive, Piet Vandendriessche, after only nine months.

Vandendriessche had only been in the role since January, with his experience before that including a seven-year stint as CEO of the Belgian branch of professional services heavyweight Deloitte. In taking the RBFA top job, he replaced Peter Bossaert.

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His dismissal came following a substantial disagreement with the rest of the RBFA hierarchy at an extraordinary board meeting.

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One issue was reportedly the implementation of various cost-cutting measures by Vandendriessche at the organization, which proved unpopular with staff.

The RBFA has said the appointment of Willems comes with the intention of bringing “peace and stability” to the organization.

Pascale van Damme, chair of the governing body, said: “As CEO, Peter Willems will not only oversee the financial situation of the KBVB but will also further develop and supervise ongoing projects. Peter knows the house and will provide the necessary stability. We are counting on him to build the future of Belgian football.”

When Vandendriessche departed, one candidate reportedly under strong consideration was Vincent Mannaert, former CEO of domestic heavyweights Club Brugge.