Reports suggest Dutch Eredivisie side FC Twente are facing relegation for “repeatedly and deliberately misleading” football clubs as well as the authorities about their finances. The Dutch side could have had their professional playing license revoked. However, the licensing commission of the Dutch football association gave them a ‘second chance’ because of their recent attempts at restoring order and trying to get some transparency in the system.
The club won their first ever Eredivisie championship in the year 2009-10 under former England manager Steve McLaren. However, in recent years, they made the headlines for all the wrong reasons. Last year itself saw them twice deducted three points on accounts of financial mismanagement.
In December, the Dutch side were also banned from European competitions fro three years by the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) for a deal to sell a player’s transfer rights to an outside investor.
Speaking about the issue, KNVB director Bert Van Oostveen said, "We feared the licensing commission would pull the plug completely.”
"Luckily the commission has found a way out. FC Twente is a big club with a lot of supporters and the KNVB is pleased the club has been given a second chance,” he said.
Twente’s interim director reacts with utter dismay
But when the club’s interim director Onno Jacobs was asked, he reacted saying he was ‘shocked, disappointed and in total disbelief’ about the decision taken before telling everybody related with the club to remain calm as he assured they would do everything required.
He said, "We are stunned, disappointed and in disbelief. Nevertheless, I ask everyone on behalf of FC Twente to keep a cool head. One thing is certain: we will not give up. We remain combative.”
"This feels ... like a hammer blow.”
"All those involved were in the club - and are - convinced that we have fulfilled the conditions of the license commission and that we just next season would end in the league."
"The consequences of this decision by the KNVN are incalculable. The consequences, especially the financial consequences can be enormous.Incalculable. Therefore, I can not go there now. We will study this punishment and then we determine our next steps. "
"I understand that there are many questions, but I can not and will there is still no answer to give. First we have to consider. That will not last weeks, but days. This entails very, very quickly become clear, “ Jacobs said as he gave the media present no chance to ask any questions pertaining to the issue.
FC Twente has since filed for summary proceedings in a Dutch civil court against the proposed decision of the KNVB (ie, relegation to the 2nd division). The club feels hurt and have conveyed to the Dutch Football Association that they feel they have kept their side of the bargain in the deal agreed upon in December last year to keep their license.
