The 29-year-old has been released by mutual consent after it emerged that people close to him - reportedly his girlfriend and brother - had allegedly engaged in a campaign to criticise rival goalkeepers Geert De Vlieger and Colin Coosemans through fan websites.

The former Belgium international, who joined Brugge in 2000 and had a contract for more four years, was relegated to the reserves after the accusations first came to light but has now seen his contract formally terminated.

A club statement read: "Club Bruges and Stijn Stijnen have, by mutual agreement, terminated their co-operation with immediate effect. This decision was necessary after the events of recent days.

"Both sides would like to thank each other for their co-operation in recent years and will continue to refrain from any comment."