Vitesse submits appeal against losing its professional license to KNVB

Vitesse Arnhem has submitted its appeal against the Dutch football association’s decision to revoke its license as of July 11. The Arnhem-based club says it has “closely examined” the licensing committee’s decision and does not agree with all of the criticisms. According to Vitesse, the decision does not do justice to the efforts of the club and the group of regional entrepreneurs, known as the Sterkhouders, who are seeking to take over Vitesse.

“In recent months, efforts have specifically been made to achieve transparency, cooperation, and a sustainable, regional solution for the club, its staff, supporters, sponsors, and other Vitesse members,” the club said in a statement on its website.

The KNVB has stated that Vitesse has structurally and repeatedly undermined the licensing system and continued to do so despite earlier commitments to change. The Arnhem club was docked 39 points two seasons ago, which confirmed their relegation to the second tier, the Keuken Kampioen Divisie.

Vitesse will start the upcoming season with a 12-point deduction. The club has a few more days to supplement its appeal with additional documents.

The club was notified by the KNVB’s licensing committee of their decision to revoke their permit in May. Vitesse presented their vision for the club during a hearing, but the licensing committee was not convinced. Vitesse will be given another chance to shed light on the affairs during the appeal process.

This is not the first time that the KNVB has taken away Vitesse's license. This also occurred in spring of 2024, but the club was saved by making certain promises. Vitesse had a debt sheet of 19 million euros at the time. The club then went searching for a new owner to provide a secure future.

The municipality of Arnhem and several community partners sent a letter to the licensing committee advocating for the preservation of the club on Friday. “Revoking the license would not just be a sporting measure, but the loss of something essential. It would leave an irreparable wound in the heart of Arnhem, a lasting sense of loss in our identity as a city,” the club said.

A year ago, when the struggling club also came close to losing its professional license, Mayor Ahmed Marcouch made a similar appeal on behalf of the municipality. At the time, he pointed to the solidarity of thousands of Arnhem residents who took action to help save the club.