Arnhem mayor and Vitesse supporters relieved about football clubs license agreement

The Vitesse Supporters Association is relieved that the football club from Arnhem has retained its professional license and can start the season on Friday. Vitesse opens the Keuken Kampioen Divisie season with a home match against Telstar. "I am 100 percent relieved and, above all, very happy," said chairwoman Susanne Wichhart. "I've opened a bottle of champagne."

The licensing committee had informed Vitesse earlier this summer that they would not receive a professional license for the coming season. The Arnhem team, who were relegated from the Eredivisie last season, appealed against that decision and were subsequently granted two extensions by the KNVB to be able to submit a balanced budget.

The appeals committee wanted to provide clarity last Thursday, but that did not succeed because there were still questions about the new documents submitted by Vitesse. The club from Arnhem announced on Friday evening that it has almost certainly been saved from ruin after an agreement with the Common Group of the main creditor, Coley Parry.

On Saturday evening, it was announced that Vitesse will receive a professional licence for the new season after all.

Vitesse supporters were rather confident after the news of the day. Vitesse then reported that an agreement had been reached with the Common Group of the main creditor, Coley Parry. "The last obstacle was settled. But we still have to wait until it is in black and white. That was tonight around half past six."

Wichhart says she is especially looking forward to the "normal things" that come with being a supporter. "How good or bad the football is and how many supporters there are," she said. "Since the announcement, 2,000 season tickets have already been sold. I had already renewed mine in May, but I would have lost my money if the club had gone under. We were hovering around 3,000 season tickets, now it is already 5,300. We are aiming for 10,000."

Arnhem mayor Ahmed Marcouch was also overjoyed that Vitesse received its professional license. "I am so happy!" he wrote on social media. "Our loyalty to Vitesse has been rewarded," he said.

According to the mayor, many obstacles and setbacks have been overcome by all the good will. "So good to be on the same page with so many people. So great to see Arnhem now relieved, cheerful, and optimistic," said Marcouch.

According to Marcouch, the people of Arnhem are convinced that everything they endure and overcome makes them stronger. "On to a sporting year full of great matches with us as old and young behind Vitesse."