RSC Anderlecht and CEO Sports Jesper Fredberg have mutually agreed to part ways. The club would like to express its sincere gratitude to Jesper for his collaboration over the past two years. Olivier Renard has been immediately appointed as new Sporting Director.
Jesper Fredberg was appointed CEO Sports of RSC Anderlecht back in November 2022. The Dane had previously worked with clubs such as Viborg FF, Panathinaikos, and Omonia Nicosia.
After a disappointing 2022/23 season, the club, under Jesper Fredberg’s leadership, undertook a transformation of the first team’s squad. Following a successful summer transfer window, Anderlecht once again competed for the league title. RSCA ended up finishing third in the league.
This season, RSC Anderlecht qualified for the League Phase of the Europa League, where they currently lead the standings thanks to three wins in a row. In the league, the Mauves are in sixth place after 12 matchdays.
Jesper Fredberg:
“I am leaving the club with my head held high and a great sense of pride. Over the past year and a half, the club has regained stability and strong foundations for the future. The squad is better balanced, with a good mix of young talents and experienced players. There is a constructive and positive atmosphere among the staff and employees at the club, from the Academy to the RSCA Women and the first team. My only disappointment is that we didn’t manage to give something back to the fans last season. I am grateful to the club and its fans for the past years and will continue to follow RSCA closely.”
Olivier Renard is appointed as Sporting Director
RSC Anderlecht has appointed Olivier Renard (45) as the new Sporting Director. Olivier Renard has spent the last five years as Sporting Director and Vice-President of MLS club CF Montreal. Under Renard’s leadership, the Canadian club rose to the top of the MLS, reaching the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champions League, winning the Canadian Championship Cup, and finishing third in the MLS in 2022. Renard also distinguished himself with a series of notable incoming and outgoing transfers and a recruitment of young talents.
Before his experience in the MLS, Renard also worked as Sporting Director or advisor at Belgian clubs such as Antwerp, Standard, and KV Mechelen. During his playing career as a goalkeeper, he stood in goal for Charleroi, Standard, KV Mechelen, and three Italian clubs (Udinese, Napoli, and Modena).
Olivier Renard:
“After five years in the MLS, it feels great to return to Belgium in this role. It is an honor to work at a club like RSC Anderlecht. I will focus on recruitment, transfer policy, and overall management of the first team. I especially look forward to working with the country’s best talents.”
Chairman Wouter Vandenhaute:
“I want to thank Jesper Fredberg, and also Brian Riemer, for the past two years. For the first time since the club's sale, RSCA competed again for the league title. Their contribution to this was significant. Jesper will not be replaced as CEO Sports; instead, in the new structure, we are opting for a Sporting Director, Olivier Renard. Renard has built up a lot of expertise both in Belgium and internationally. He knows the atmosphere of the dressing room, and he will work closely with the sporting staff and the scouting department.”
