Anderlecht mourn pioneer Steppé
Thursday, November 7, 2002
Article summary
Former general secretary of RSC Anderlecht Eugène Steppé has died at the age of 84.
Article body
Winning combination
Steppé began his Anderlecht career as a player but began working for the club's administration before World War II after failing to recover from a knee injury. Steppé rose quickly through the ranks and became general secretary of the club in 1952 and together with president Albert Roosens turned Anderlecht into one of the strongest clubs in Europe.
Football pioneer
Steppé, along with French journalist Gabriel Hanot, was one of the pioneers in formulating the idea for the European Champion Clubs' Cup which later became the UEFA Champions League. He was present at the official launch of the competition in 1955 alongside friends such as Bill Shankly and Santiago Bernabéu.
Years of service
Steppé was also deeply respected for his work with young players at the club, launching the youth academy among other initiatives. Steppé left the club on 31 May 1970 after Anderlecht had lost the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup final against Arsenal FC. During 18 years as general manager he oversaw ten national league titles.
