Emotional reactions after Vitesse lose professional license: 'Their worlds collapse'

Vitesse, one of the oldest football clubs in the Netherlands, has officially lost its professional license after 133 years of existence. The Dutch football association (KNVB) confirmed that its Appeals Committee will not overturn the earlier decision made by the licensing committee. This ruling means Vitesse will no longer be allowed to participate in professional football unless the decision is successfully challenged in civil court.

See also:  (In the U.S) Demi Lovato’s Pop Comeback Shines with New Single "Fast

The club expressed deep disappointment, stating it felt “defeated” but intends to continue fighting through legal means. Vitesse’s fall has triggered a wave of emotional reactions across the Dutch football community. Fans, former players, and public officials have voiced heartbreak over what they consider a catastrophic loss not just for Arnhem, but for Dutch football history.

Theo Janssen, a club legend, emotionally reacted on live TV, saying that despite knowing this could happen, he didn’t expect it to feel this overwhelming. The mayor of Arnhem, Ahmed Marcouch, described the club’s collapse as "truly unimaginable" and emphasized that Vitesse is more than a football team   it is a symbol of unity and culture in the city.

Just three years ago, Vitesse was competing in Europe and even beat English side Tottenham Hotspur. That recent success now stands in stark contrast to the club's current crisis.

Following the KNVB’s ruling, the emotional toll on Vitesse fans and stakeholders has been immense. The football association itself released a statement expressing sympathy for the supporters and acknowledging the seriousness of the situation. However, the KNVB also reinforced that the rules around financial integrity and club licensing exist for a reason   to maintain the health and fairness of the league system.

See also: (In the U.K) Five Jockeys Safe After Dramatic Emergency Landing at Glorious Goodwood

Michael van de Kuit, the owner of Vitesse’s home ground GelreDome, described the situation as a drama caused by years of poor management. He criticized both former and current club owners for not listening to advice and allowing things to reach this point. A consortium called the ‘Sterkhouders’ had recently taken over, but reportedly ignored key warnings.

The loss of the license is more than a legal decision   it risks dissolving a beloved community institution. Around 18,000 loyal supporters regularly attended games at the GelreDome. Many now feel abandoned and helpless as the club teeters on the brink of extinction.

While the club’s leadership hopes to reverse the decision through a civil lawsuit, no official appeal can be made within the KNVB. The football association concluded its statement by wishing strength to all affected supporters.

This decision marks a dark chapter in Dutch football, as the collapse of a club like Vitesse   which has played a central role in national football for over a century   reminds fans and organizations alike of the consequences of financial mismanagement. What happens next will depend on the courts and whether the club can find a lifeline before it disappears from professional football forever.