Overview

• A district court in Utrecht and the Central Netherlands District Court both affirmed the KNVB’s July ruling to withdraw Vitesse Arnhem’s professional license.
• The KNVB cited the club’s structural failures to comply with financial and ownership regulations as justification for the unprecedented license revocation.
• Vitesse’s leadership, including investor group De Sterkhouders, expressed deep disappointment after efforts to meet licensing conditions were deemed insufficient.
• Supporters clashed with riot police in Arnhem’s city centre following the rulings, highlighting the decision’s significant social impact on the local community.
• With the scheduled second-tier match against Almere City cancelled, Vitesse is exploring legal and financial avenues to safeguard its future, facing the prospect of amateur status or bankruptcy.