Dutch club RELEGATED over alleged links to ex-Chelsea owner Abramovich

Imre Himmelbauer

• Updated: 20 Apr 2024 13:16 BST
• 3 min read

Vitesse have been officially relegated from the Eredivisie.

The KNVB, the Dutch FA, have decided to deduct no fewer than 18 points from the Arnhem club because they cannot meet licensing requirements. This puts Vitesse at -1 points and the chance of achieving safety is obviously completely out of sight. Vitesse will not appeal against the decision.

The decision comes a little over a year after an investigation by The Guardian revealed alleged secret links between ousted former Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich and the Dutch side. It was claimed that the Russian oligarch, who was the subject of sanctions in the wake of the invasion of Ukraine, had illicitly bankrolled the club, which had previously been the destination for many a Chelsea loanee.

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Vitesse explained through official channels where the club went wrong. "For example, Vitesse have not submitted the half-yearly financial figures correctly, acted incorrectly around ING Bank and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate and the Wladimiroff report has not been able to demonstrate whether there are or are not connections between Vitesse and Roman Abramovich."

Vitesse won't cease operations

Despite the points deduction and relegation, it seems that Vitesse is not in danger of disappearing from the Dutch football landscape. The opportunity to retain a playing license is there and the club are seizing it with both hands, says interim general manager Edwin Reijntjes.

"Although this is a dark day for everything and everyone who cares about Vitesse, this is the harsh reality. After all, such a punishment was inevitable. On the other hand - and I really want to make this clear to everyone - we are extremely happy with the opportunity that is offered to us in order to retain our license. This was also hanging by a thread."

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"It is clear in the response of the licensing committee that there is confidence in the club's new direction," he continues. "We cling to that and we will continue at full speed. I said it before: Vitesse must not and cannot disappear!"

The club's relegation puts an end to 35 years of uninterrupted Eredivisie football for Vitesse. The club became First Division champions in the 1988/89 season and had never dropped to the second level since. In 2003/04, Vitesse finished below the red line in 16th place, but survival was still secured via the play-offs.