Vitesse Arnhem, a Dutch football club with a modest history, experienced a significant transformation following an acquisition led by former Georgian footballer Merab Jordania. This led to the club being referred to as “Chelsea B” due to the substantial number of players they acquired on loan from Chelsea Football Club.
Under the ownership of Alexander Chigirinsky, a Russian businessman and associate of Roman Abramovich, Vitesse continued to receive players on loan from Chelsea and even achieved their first major trophy in 2017. However, an investigation by the Dutch Football Association (KNVB) uncovered evident financial connections between Vitesse and Abramovich, resulting in the club being relegated from the Eredivisie after a deduction of 18 points.
Recently leaked documents also revealed that Abramovich maintains a covert financial relationship with Vitesse through its current owner, Valery Oyf. Additionally, the Dutch ministry of economic affairs and climate change is conducting an investigation into the club’s ties to Abramovich, who has faced sanctions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Despite Oyf’s denial of any ongoing ties to Abramovich, Vitesse is encountering severe financial challenges and the potential risk of bankruptcy. The club’s professional license could also face revocation, and attempts to sell the club have been fruitless. These circumstances raise concerns about the susceptibility of football clubs when influenced by external geopolitical factors and influential individuals.
These incidents shed light on the increasing trend of owners of prominent teams engaging in multi-club projects, akin to the partnership between Manchester City and other clubs under the City Football Group. While some of these projects have been prosperous, there are cases where the decisions of ownership have adversely affected smaller clubs, resulting in dissatisfied fans and declining club performance.
Vitesse’s predicament serves as a reminder of the repercussions of involvement with individuals who have political connections and hidden motives. The situation of the club underscores the significance of upholding the independence and integrity of football clubs. The inquiry into connections with individuals accused of ties to political figures demonstrates the potential risks that arise when external interests interfere with the operations of football clubs.
In view of these developments, it is crucial for football’s governing bodies to exercise vigilance and ensure that clubs preserve their autonomy and integrity. The case of Vitesse serves as a cautionary tale and emphasizes the necessity for transparency and accountability in football club ownership, free from external geopolitical influences.