Football
Mark Rodden 8y

Marc Wilmots' future as Belgium boss hinges on compensation costs - KBVB

The chief executive of the Belgian Football Association (KBVB) has admitted that firing Marc Wilmots as the national team's manager would be problematic because of the level of compensation he would be owed.

Wilmots' job is under threat after Belgium lost 3-1 to Wales at the quarterfinal stage of Euro 2016.

No decision has yet been made on Wilmots' future, but speaking on Wednesday Gerard Linard said the terms of the head coach's contract meant that sacking him would be an expensive option.

"The severance payment of Wilmots is at least €1 million," Linard was quoted as saying by La Derniere Heure. "It's a problem for the federation because we don't have the same budget as France, Spain or Germany.

"No decision has incidentally been taken concerning the manager. It's necessary to wait until next week."

Club Brugge boss Michel Preud'homme is one of the favourites to take over should Wilmots be dismissed, although former Manchester United and Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal has also been linked with the post.

According to Linard, however, financial concerns could also prevent Belgium appointing a high-profile foreign manager.

"In my opinion a world-class coach like Van Gaal is not affordable for the Belgian FA, except if the coach in question makes major concessions," he said.

Wilmots has been Belgium manager since 2012, during which time his team have failed to make it past the quarterfinal stage of a major tournament.

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