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Former Eredivisie outfit Vitesse have decided to appeal the verdict from the Dutch civil court that upheld the KNVB's decision to revoke Vitesse's licence. Vitesse announced the news on Tuesday, stating that the club had requested a date at the appeal court.
Following the verdict earlier this month, which ruled in favour of the KNVB's decision to revoke the club's licence, Vitesse and the KNVB engaged in discussions about the club's future, seeking a viable solution. "At the same time, given all the interests involved, supporters, the local economy, and the city of Arnhem, it is important for Vitesse not to lose its rights and to take legal action within the set deadlines so that all options remain open," the club said in a club statement.
Vitesse lost their professional licence earlier in August after a civil court judge ruled in favour of the KNVB, who revoked Vitesse's licence in June. The KNVB's independent licensing committee revoked Vitesse's licence after the club "structurally evaded the licensing system” in previous years. The committee's report stated that “there has been a pattern of deception, circumvention and undermining of the licensing system over several years, as well as a lack of transparency."
It ruled the revocation of the club’s licence as justified. In a hopeful effort to save the future of the club, Vitesse decided to take the case to civil court, where the judge would determine if the KNVB took a just and conscientious decision by revoking Vitesse’s licence. During the summary proceedings, a judge ruled in favour of the KNVB, stating that the football association applied the licensing rules correctly.
"Vitesse strongly emphasises that it prefers a quick and appropriate solution in consultation with the KNVB and remains fully committed to pursuing a feasible goal," said the club. The chances of Vitesse winning the appeal are highly unlikely. Lawyers have informed regional network Omroep Gelderland that Vitesse have a 1% chance of regaining their professional licence through an appeal.
