Vitesse Arnhem is on the brink of securing its future, following the club’s announcement of a partial takeover by a local consortium, marking the beginning of a takeover process.
On Tuesday, the club confirmed that a local consortium, ‘De Sterkhouders Vitesse Arnhem’, has officially engaged in negotiations for a full takeover of the struggling former Eredivisie side.
Vitesse has now revealed that the consortium has secured a 24.9% share in the club, having purchased the shares from the recently departed Dane Murphy. The Sterkhouders have also reached a preliminary agreement with the four remaining owners to acquire the outstanding 75.1% share.
Subject to approval from the KNVB, Vitesse will soon be back in local hands. “The proposed transfer of all shares must be preliminarily approved by the KNVB licensing committee,” the club stated on its website.
“In this regard, the Sterkhouders will adhere to the standard procedure for ‘change of control’ and will fully cooperate with the investigative process.”
Once the KNVB’s independent licensing committee grants approval, Vitesse will be officially safeguarded.
“With the planned acquisition of all shares and the return of ownership to the community, alongside the fulfilment of additional crucial licensing requirements (such as securing a bank account and appointing an accountant), Vitesse is progressing towards the definitive retention of its license. The decision now rests with the KNVB licensing committee, which Vitesse has invited for further discussions on this matter in the near future.”
‘Here We Stand’
The Sterkhouders addressed Vitesse supporters in a statement shared on the club’s social media channels. “Vitesse is a club with a rich history, literally a club of the first hour. The second-oldest professional club in the Netherlands,” their message read.
“We’ve been a part of Dutch football since 1892: resolute, combative, and deeply rooted in Arnhem. Though too small for the tablecloth, we are too significant for the napkin. Unfortunately, by 2025, much of that status has faded. Years of overly ambitious goals and dependency on external forces resulted in turbulent operations, unrest among fans, and sporting uncertainty.
“We were repeatedly faced with the threat of survival and external intervention. This led to worries about a club that seemed destined to lose its essence, drifting further from its community and supporters. Until Arnhem took a stand.
“And here we stand.”
The Sterkhouders previously saved Vitesse when the club faced extinction in the summer of 2024. A small group of local entrepreneurs banded together to create the ‘Air Bridge’, an emergency strategy named after the English Airborne division that liberated the city at the end of World War II.
“Now, we are taking another step. Together with the existing shareholders, we aim to acquire and transfer all shares to the Sterkhouders. To the residents of Arnhem. To local entrepreneurs. No more temporary solutions, but a sustainable vision for the future.”
“Vitesse is coming home. With the courage of Arnhem, without fuss. Our actions will be driven by sporting realism, a love for the club, and a sense of obligation. Because it is only when your club feels like home that it’s truly worth fighting for.
“Onwards to a stable future for our Vites. Our love for the club is genuine. Now, then, and always.”
A Long Journey
Vitesse, once renowned for its partnership with Chelsea, enjoyed continuous participation in the Eredivisie from 1990 until 2024, establishing itself as a consistent mid-table team and competing in the UEFA Europa League or UEFA Europa Conference League six times between 2012 and 2021.
After Russian owner Valery Oyf was forced to step down following the invasion of Ukraine, the club was left with significant debts. American Coley Parrey, head of investment firm Common Group, sought a takeover but was denied by the KNVB, failing to assure the association that the club could remain financially viable.
A new ownership group, consisting of Americans Dane Murphy and Flint Reilly, Germans Timo Braasch and Leon Muller, and Italian-American Bryan Mornaghi, took over the club in January 2025 but later encountered issues with the KNVB pertaining to the finalisation of the takeover.
The KNVB was not convinced that Parry had been excluded from Vitesse’s operations, expressing concern that the American still wielded influence within the club.
It was even reported that Parry played a role in assembling the five owners in an effort to retain control of the club.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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