Vitesse’s existence hanging by a thread: KNVB revokes professional license | OneFootball

Voetbal International have reported that Vitesse’s survival hangs in the balance. The KNVB (Royal Dutch Football Association) have officially revoked their professional license. An appeal to the appeals committee is still possible.

The website dramatically report that, “the news was already hovering over the Gelredome like the sword of Damocles”. At the end of May, the KNVB announced that the independent licensing committee intended to revoke Vitesse’s professional license for the 2025-26 season. This will actually happen on Friday, July 11th. Vitesse failed to change the licensing committee’s mind during a hearing.

In the eyes of the Arnhem residents, the licensing committee are ignoring the negative recommendations of both the central players’ council and the central coaches’ council, which expressed their confidence in the club’s future prospects. De Sterkhouders, a collective of regional entrepreneurs, has indicated its intention to acquire all shares in Vitesse.

Vitesse also saw their professional license revoked last year. The struggling club successfully appealed the decision. The club finished in 20th place in the Keuken Kampioen Divisie after the KNVB imposed several points penalties. On Wednesday, it was announced that Vitesse will start the new season with a twelve-point deduction.

It is expected that Vitesse will again appeal the decision to revoke the license. The club will thoroughly study the nearly 50-page decision and consider its outcome.

GBeNeFN | Max Bradfield