Marc Coucke

Coucke's investments in Durbuy repeatedly attracted local and environmental criticism. As early as 2017, Walloon parliamentarians relayed concerns from residents and associations over the development of La Petite Merveille in an area including Natura 2000 sites. From 2023–2024, a proposed development of approximately 204 flats overlooking the old town renewed opposition over tourism and property pressures, affordable housing, mobility, water and impacts on woodland and agricultural land.

State of the evidence

Documented

Following KV Oostende's bankruptcy in June 2024, the City of Ostend terminated the stadium's long lease and considered itself the owner of the infrastructure. Marc Coucke's company Oostende Stadion challenged the termination and requested, among other things, an inventory of furniture and facilities. In urgent proceedings, the Bruges Court of First Instance declared that it lacked jurisdiction and referred the question to the Enterprise Court; the substantive dispute over termination of the lease remained unresolved.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Oostende Stadion's annual accounts revealed that, in 2025, the tax authorities had claimed more than €19 million, including VAT which they considered improperly deducted, penalties and interest, as well as penalties and interest relating to an invoice the tax authorities regarded as fictitious. The matter became public in August 2026 and constitutes a further major dispute for Coucke's Alychlo holding company concerning KVO's former stadium.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Following Perrigo's acquisition of Omega Pharma, an arbitration dispute arose between Perrigo and the sellers, including Alychlo and Holdco. On 27 August 2021, the arbitral tribunal found that the sellers had committed fraud in connection with the acquisition and awarded Perrigo approximately €355 million including costs, while rejecting the sellers' counterclaims. The amounts were paid and the proceedings ended.

State of the evidence

Documented

Several investors brought US securities actions against Perrigo and former executives, including Marc Coucke, concerning statements made during Mylan's hostile takeover bid and difficulties integrating Omega Pharma. In July 2018, a federal court dismissed Coucke without prejudice from the principal class action; in several individual actions, the claimants subsequently agreed to remove him from the proceedings.

Attribution

Accused

During the 2020 licensing crisis, KV Oostende, Virton and other parties challenged Anderlecht's position, arguing that Coucke retained considerable influence over his former club Oostende through debts owed to him, stand rental payments, the stadium company and his role in takeover negotiations. The licensing commission noted elements of influence but did not find the prohibited 'significant influence' that would have caused Anderlecht to lose its licence. A financial agreement eventually facilitated KVO's takeover.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Marc Coucke resigned as chairman of Belgium's Pro League after approximately one year, explaining that it was no longer possible to reconcile leadership of the organisation representing professional clubs with the chairmanship of RSC Anderlecht. He acknowledged that several forthcoming matters would create conflicts of interest and considered an independent chairman necessary to preserve the Pro League's credibility.

State of the evidence

Admitted by the person

Attribution

Directly implicated