Vitesse Arnhem Loses Its License After 133 Years of Existence

• Vitesse Arnhem has lost its license after 133 years of existence.
• The court upheld the KNVB's decision to revoke its professional license.
• The club can only continue to exist as an amateur club.

The Hague, Netherlands — The club Vitesse Arnhem has lost its last attempt to restore its license for participation in the professional leagues of the Netherlands. The court rejected their request to suspend the decision of the Dutch Football Association (KNVB), which was made on August 8, 2025.

The club expressed its "deep disappointment" in connection with this decision. According to the words of the president of the investment group De Sterkhouders, Michiel Shaaya, the club did everything possible to meet the conditions set for them.

Vitesse Arnhem, founded in 1892, is known for its history and great players, such as Roy Makaay and Nemenya Matic. However, the club faced financial difficulties that arose after sanctions were imposed on it due to connections with the Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich.

In 2022, the club was stripped of 18 points and relegated from the Eredivisie due to financial violations, including the absence of a banking account and management control. The KNVB stated that the club had not complied with licensing regulations for many years.

The situation with the club has worsened, and now Vitesse can only continue to exist as an amateur club or cease to exist altogether. The anticipated match against Almere City, scheduled for September 9, 2025, has been canceled.

Bob Roelofs, the deputy mayor of Arnhem, stated that this is "tragic for the city and its residents," as the club was an important part of the local culture.

Tags: Europe/Sport/Football