The football club "Vitesse" will not participate in professional competitions due to years of financial problems and opaque ties with investors that violated the licensing requirements of the Dutch Football Federation. This was reported by ESPN.
On Friday, August 8, the court rejected Vitesse’s appeal against the decision of the licensing commission of the Dutch federation, which previously revoked the club’s right to compete in the 2025/2026 season.
All efforts to find an investor, restructure debts, and meet the federation’s requirements have been in vain. The key stumbling block was the financial ties with American businessman Cooley Parry, which the federation deemed opaque.
For the first time since 1954, "Vitesse" will play in amateur football. In the 2025/2026 season, only 19 clubs will compete in the Dutch First Division instead of 20, as there will be no replacement for "Vitesse".
"Vitesse" is one of the oldest clubs in Europe, established in 1892.
