Netherlands: Federation requests Vitesse Arnhem to clarify the nature of their links with Chelsea

The KNVB (Dutch Football Federation) has asked Vitesse Arnhem (Eredivisie) to clarify their capital structure and the nature of their ties with Chelsea FC (Premier League), after Merab Jordania, president of the Dutch club between 16/08/2010 and 10/12/2013, said in an interview with De Telegraaf, on 01/04/2014, that the English club put pressure on the leadership of Vitesse not to qualify for the Champions League after the 2012-13 season.

Vitesse Arnhem, 4^th in the 2012-13 edition of Eredivisie, participated in the third qualifying round of the Europa League 2013-14 (defeated by Petrolul Ploiesti; 1-1 in the first leg in Romania and 1-2 at home). UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) regulations prohibit two clubs owned by the same person to participate in the same season of club competitions organised by the European body.

Alexander Chigirinskiy, owner of the Arnhem club, is considered by the English and Dutch media, to be a close friend of Roman Abramovich, who owns Chelsea. Four players of the London club are currently on loan at Vitesse (seven Blues players in total…