Vitesse, a long-standing club in the Dutch top flight, has suffered a major setback as they have been relegated from the Eredivisie. The club has been dealt an 18-point deduction due to allegations of providing incorrect information and withholding important details during investigations into potential violations of sanctions. These actions have also led to them failing to meet the requirements of the licensing regulations.
The club has submitted a restructuring plan to the Dutch FA, but its acceptance is still pending. Unfortunately, the 18-point deduction has pushed Vitesse to the bottom of the league with -1 points, with only four games remaining in the season. Even before the penalty, their chances of avoiding relegation seemed slim, as they were already seven points adrift of escaping the automatic relegation spots.
Interim general manager Edwin Reijntjes acknowledged that the punishment was “inevitable” in a club statement. He emphasized that while it is a dark day for Vitesse, they are grateful for the opportunity to retain their license. The club’s new direction has received some confidence from the Licensing Committee, giving them hope for the future.
Vitesse has decided not to appeal against the punishment handed out by the licensing committee. This decision marks a significant moment for the club, as it signifies their acceptance of the consequences and their commitment to moving forward.
It is worth noting that Vitesse’s relegation comes just six years after Chelsea and England star Mason Mount enjoyed a successful loan spell at the club. Mount, who spent one season at Vitesse during the 2017/18 season, made a remarkable impact with 14 goals and ten assists in 39 games. His contributions helped the team finish sixth in the Eredivisie and secure a spot in the Europa League qualifying rounds.
During their Europa Conference League campaign in 2022, Vitesse reached the last 16 before being eliminated by Roma with a 2-1 aggregate score. Notably, they secured a memorable 1-0 victory over Tottenham in the group stage.
The relegation of Vitesse serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by clubs in meeting licensing regulations and the consequences they face when failing to do so. It highlights the importance of transparency and compliance in the football industry. As Vitesse looks to rebuild and regain their position in the Eredivisie, their experience serves as a cautionary tale for other clubs to ensure they meet all requirements and avoid similar penalties.