Brussels Mayor Accused of Conflict of Interest Over Casino Operator Selection

^{Brussels Mayor Philippe Close}

Brussels Mayor Philippe Close has been accused of a potential conflict of interest over his involvement in the decision to award the concession for Grand Casino Brussels — the city’s only Class I casino — to Napoleon Games, a major sponsor of football club Anderlecht, where Close serves as an independent director. The Brussels Times reported the allegations, citing Belgian news agency Belga.

Napoleon Games sponsors Anderlecht, which plays in Belgium’s top football division, while Close serves on the club’s board as an independent director. The allegations were raised by Brussels city councillor Benoît Hellings, who filed a formal ethics complaint.

In mid-July, Brussels authorities selected a new operator for Grand Casino Brussels, which is currently run by Viage. Napoleon Games won the tender.

Hellings argues that Close should have recused himself from the decision-making process but failed to do so.

Napoleon Games also highlighted its ties to Anderlecht in its bid to operate the casino. The company listed the football club among the commercial partners it planned to work with to promote the venue.

Close has denied any conflict of interest and declined to comment further. Anderlecht said it had no involvement in the selection of the casino operator and had not been consulted on the matter. Napoleon Games and Viage also declined to comment.

Viage has already challenged the decision. The company has asked Belgium’s Council of State to urgently suspend the transfer of the casino operation to Napoleon Games. A ruling is expected this week.