Vitesse Arnhem is now on a promising path towards survival, as the club has announced a partial takeover by a local consortium, marking the commencement of a takeover process.
On Tuesday, the club revealed that the consortium, known as ‘De Sterkhouders Vitesse Arnhem’, has initiated discussions aimed at a complete acquisition of the beleaguered former Eredivisie club.
Vitesse has confirmed that the consortium has secured a 24.9% stake in the club, purchasing shares from the recently exited Dane Murphy. The Sterkhouders have also reached a preliminary agreement with the remaining four owners to obtain the rest of the 75.1% stake.
Should the KNVB give the green light for the takeover, Vitesse will officially return to local ownership. “The proposed transfer of all shares must receive prior approval from the KNVB licensing committee,” the club stated on its official website.
“To this end, the Sterkhouders will adhere to the standard procedure for a ‘change of control’ and will fully cooperate with the requisite investigations.”
Once the KNVB’s independent licensing committee extends its approval, Vitesse will be on firm footing once again.
“With the intended acquisition of all shares and the restoration of ownership to the local community, alongside fulfilling other vital licensing requirements (like maintaining a bank account and securing an accountant), Vitesse is making significant strides towards maintaining its licence. The final decision on this matter now rests with the KNVB’s licensing committee, which Vitesse has proposed discussing further in the near future.”
‘Here We Are’
The Sterkhouders addressed the Vitesse supporters through a statement on the club’s social media channels. “Vitesse is truly a club of the first hour, being the second-oldest professional club in the Netherlands,” the statement indicated.
“Since 1892, we have been an integral part of Dutch football: resolute, combative, and deeply rooted in Arnhem. Just a tad too small for the tablecloth, yet far too large for the napkin. However, little of that standing remains as we approach 2025. Years of overly ambitious aspirations and reliance on external entities have led to erratic daily operations, public discontent, and sporting instability.
“Time and again, we found ourselves clinging to survival and dependent on outside assistance; the club was at risk of losing its identity, drifting away from its community and supporters. Until Arnhem took a stand.
“So here we are.”
The Sterkhouders previously rescued Vitesse during the summer of 2024 when the club was on the brink of extinction, rallying a small group of local entrepreneurs who formed the ‘Air Bridge,’ an emergency initiative named in honour of the English Airborne division that liberated Arnhem during World War II.
“Now, we advance further. In cooperation with current shareholders, we aim to acquire and transfer all shares to the Sterkhouders—local residents and entrepreneurs from the region. No more temporary fixes, but a sustainable vision for the future.”
“Vitesse is coming home. With the courage of Arnhem, no drama. With actions grounded in sporting realism, love for the club, and accountability. Because only when your club feels like home, is it truly worth fighting for.
“Here’s to a stable future for our Vitesse. Our love for the club is genuine. Then, now, and always.”
A Long Journey
Vitesse, once renowned for its partnership with Chelsea, enjoyed uninterrupted Eredivisie participation from 1990 to 2024, consistently positioning itself as a mid-tier side. They competed in the UEFA Europa League or UEFA Europa Conference League six times between 2012 and 2021.
After Russian owner Valery Oyf was ousted following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the club was burdened with substantial debt. American Coley Parrey, head of investment firm Common Group, attempted to acquire the club but was turned down by the KNVB for failing to prove he could financially sustain the club.
In January 2025, a new ownership group, including Americans Dane Murphy and Flint Reilly, Germans Timo Braasch and Leon Muller, and Italian-American Bryan Mornaghi, took control but faced hurdles with the KNVB regarding the completion of their takeover.
The KNVB was not convinced that Parrey had been eliminated from Vitesse’s operations and feared he still held influence within the club.
Reports suggest that Parrey was instrumental in bringing the five owners together as part of his efforts to retain control of the club.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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