HLN reports that, for the second consecutive year, Vitesse has had its professional license revoked by the KNVBโs licensing committee, plunging the historic Dutch club into yet another crisis. The situation echoes last yearโs drama, when a failed takeover involving American investor Coley Parry threw the club into chaos. After a turbulent summer and several extensions granted by the appeals committee to submit the required documentation, Vitesse narrowly avoided collapse. Its survival was secured on August 3โbut the relief was short-lived.
Now, less than a year later, the club finds itself in an even deeper predicament. Vitesse has not only lost its license again, after having been hit by significant fines and a staggering 39-point deduction. These are the harshest sanctions ever imposed in Dutch professional football, and meant Arnhem-based team to finished rock bottom of the Eerste Divisie.
The latest turmoil follows a January takeover by five foreign investors, each holding a minority share. While the deal was initially seen as a potential lifeline, it instead led to escalating tensions with the KNVBโs independent licensing committeeโa body of financial and legal experts tasked with upholding the integrity of Dutch professional clubs. The committee cited continued concerns over the clubโs financial compliance and governance.
Despite the severity of the punishment, Vitesse is expected to appeal. Should the appeal fail, the club has indicated it will consider taking the case to court in a final attempt to maintain its place in professional football.
Vitesse now joins a short but significant list of Dutch clubs that have lost their professional licenses, including AGOVV, FC Wageningen, SC Amersfoort, HFC Haarlem, RBC, and SC Veendam. As the clubโs storied legacy hangs in the balance, the coming weeks will be decisive in determining whether it can once again defy the oddsโor fade from the professional stage altogether.
