Vitesse’s fight for survival continues as appeal to revoke professional license is unsuccessful | OneFootball

Vitesse Arnhem have lost their appeal to have their professional licence returned by the Dutch football association. The KNVB’s appeal committee has now ruled against the club, which lost the licence earlier this month following a long dispute over finances and ownership.

“The appeals committee concludes that there is a multi-year pattern of deception, evasion, and undermining of the licensing system, as well as a lack of transparency,” the KNVB said. “In the view of the appeals committee, this pattern has proven to be structural, serious, and persistent.”

Arnhem mayor Achmed Marcouch said on social media, “Vitesse brings us together and creates unity that now threatens to disappear.” Susanne Wichhart, chairwoman of the supporters’ association, also spoke despairingly on NPO radio.

“You feel the ground disappear from under your feet. I don’t even want to think about becoming an amateur club.”

According to NOS and De Gelderlander (via Voetbal International), the Arnhem side will now fight for their very last chance in a preliminary injunction next Thursday.

The judge will primarily look at whether the correct procedure was followed by the football association’s respective licensing and appeal committees. The ruling is also expected before the start of the Keuken Kampioen Divisie season. If the club receive another negative outcome, Vitesse may be an amateur outfit before too long.

GBeNeFN | Max Bradfield