Vitesse loses appeal in Dutch court as season kicks off without them

 

Vitesse Arnhem’s final attempt to regain their licence to compete in the Dutch professional leagues has failed after a court upheld the withdrawal, leaving the future of the club in doubt. 

Vitesse had requested an injunction aimed at blocking the July decision by the Dutch FA (KNVB) to revoke their professional status, but the court dismissed the last-ditch attempt by the club to prevent relegation from the first division. This weekend the second tier Keuken Kampioen Divisie kicked off without the Arnhem club.

“We have done everything we can in the past period to meet the set conditions, in collaboration with the investors and other stakeholders,” said Michel Schaay, chairman of De Sterkhouders, a group of investors. “The fact that this has been deemed insufficient is painful for us. Above all, for our supporters, employees, and the city of Arnhem.”

The writing, however, had been on the wall for Vitesse after recent years of contention over its license because of a lack of financial stability. The club was founded in 1892.

Last year, the KNVB docked Vitesse 18 points, which led to the club’s relegation from the Eredivisie, over their ties to Roman Abramovich. Last month, the licensing committee withdrew Vitesse’s professional licence because the club had “structurally, and over extended periods, circumvented and undermined the licensing system, despite earlier assurances that this would no longer happen.”

“Losing a professional football club’s license is a devastating blow, not only for the club itself, but also for the fans, sponsors, partners, employees, and everyone else directly or indirectly involved with Vitesse,” said the KNVB in a statement. “We fully understand that this is painful and a very difficult time for them.”

The club had been scheduled to play Almere City on Saturday but Vitesse’s future is now up in the air. “What the future holds for Vitesse remains unclear at this time,” read the club’s statement. “The club is exploring its options. Meanwhile, management continues to engage with stakeholders to ensure the continued existence of football in Arnhem.”

 

IWF