Black money allegedly behind crime in Northern Dutch amateur football
A recent investigation reveals that black money payments to players are widespread in amateur football clubs across Friesland, Drenthe, and Groningen, fueling concerns about criminal influence in the sport. Nearly one in eight clubs claim they can definitively identify a club involved in paying players under the table, and nearly 70 percent of clubs call for stricter oversight from the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) to combat these illicit practices, Dagblad van het Noorden (DvhN) reports.
The investigation surveyed 108 amateur clubs in the northern provinces, reportedly uncovering a culture where paying players with unreported cash — known as black money — is common. One-third of clubs say they suspect competitors use black money, with nearly half believing payments occur regularly within their leagues. Only 5 percent believe legal ("white") payments dominate.
Black money involves income not declared to tax authorities and is often paid in cash to avoid leaving a trace. One club official reported knowing “multiple names” of clubs paying players with envelopes handed out in dressing rooms. A player told Dagblad van het Noorden that the practice is sometimes overt but often hidden, with payments arranged privately to avoid suspicion among teammates. Some clubs allegedly use sponsors’ payrolls to pay players under the table while keeping their official payroll clean.
Experts warn this system facilitates criminal infiltration of football clubs. Bureau Beke, a research institute studying criminal influence, says black money payments risk creating backdoors for criminals to embed themselves in clubs as sponsors or board members, laundering illicit funds or leveraging club success to boost their social status. Between 2005 and 2010, for example, the Haarlem club Young Boys rose rapidly through divisions before police uncovered its links to drug trafficking and illegal gambling, leading to its dissolution in 2012. Similarly, OFC in Oostzaan experienced multiple promotions before a 2016 raid arrested a sponsor and board member on suspicion of money laundering.
The survey shows higher-level amateur clubs face more intense black money use, linked to ambitions for quick sporting success by signing better players illegally. Nearly half of clubs believe paying players occurs in their competitions, and suspicion grows with league level. Some clubs’ repeated promotions raise “alarm bells,” prompting calls for closer financial scrutiny.
Approximately one in five northern clubs suspects criminal influence directly affecting club governance. While 4 percent report concrete cases of criminal undercutting, Bureau Beke estimates one in six clubs nationwide is vulnerable to such infiltration.
Despite these concerns, nine out of ten clubs claim they prohibit cash payments, reflecting a preventive stance. However, researchers note this may be skewed by the survey’s respondents, as clubs involved in black money practices might avoid participating. More than half of clubs perform background checks on new sponsors, sometimes refusing them due to suspicious funding sources. One club declined a sponsor believed to have acquired money fraudulently, while another rejected cash-only sponsorships deemed “not kosher.”
The KNVB recognizes the threat. The football association states it will intensify oversight next season by requiring stewards of club support foundations to become KNVB members and imposing stricter financial reporting guidelines. The KNVB's independent integrity commission will investigate suspected rule violations and impose disciplinary measures if necessary.
“Criminal infiltration is an increasing societal problem affecting all sectors, including amateur football,” said a KNVB spokesperson. “While our powers in law enforcement are limited, we are committed to preventing and reducing undercutting through education, raising awareness, and cooperating with municipalities and law enforcement.”
Joey Wolsink of Bureau Beke advises clubs to reject any cash sponsorships to deter illicit money flows. “Accepting no cash payments can prevent criminals from sponsoring clubs with illegally obtained funds,” he told DvhN. Wolsink warns that clubs struggling to find sponsors may be tempted to accept questionable money, increasing vulnerability to undercutting.
