Vitesse Arnhem’s future has taken a dramatic turn, with the Dutch football association officially revoking the club’s professional license.
Following a court ruling and a rejected appeal, Vitesse will not be allowed to compete in the professional divisions of Dutch football.
The decision forces the club out of the Eerste Divisie, cancelling their upcoming fixture against Almere City and throwing the club’s entire future into uncertainty.
The ruling comes after investigations revealed secret financial links to sanctioned Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich, with The Bureau of Investigative Journalism reporting that Vitesse received at least €117m through offshore companies tied to the former Chelsea owner.
The KNVB accused the club of repeatedly failing to comply with its licensing system and of attempting to undermine the process.
Among the players now facing an uncertain future is Egyptian midfielder Mostafa Ashraf, who only joined Vitesse this summer. The 21-year-old signed a two-year deal with an option for a further season after leaving Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach.
With the licence loss, Vitesse’s survival is in serious doubt, leaving Mostafa Ashraf and his teammates unsure whether they will have a league to compete in next season.
The club says it is “exploring its options” to ensure football continues in Arnhem, but no clear path forward has yet emerged.