Fitese fans. File photo (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)
Fitese are in a state of financial… desperation and have turned to crowdfunding in an attempt to keep the club’s license and compete in the first division next season in the Netherlands. So far it has raised over a million euros, with the club’s footballers also getting in on the… game and donating their salaries.
Fitese were relegated from the top flight for the first time in 35 years this year after being handed an 18-point deduction by the Dutch Football Association for breaching licensing conditions and providing incorrect information to the authorities.
The club did not appeal the sanction but has begun a race against time to retain its license to compete professionally next season.
Reports in the Netherlands say it has until the next licensing committee meeting on May 17 to present the required criteria, with debts reaching €18.9 million.
The club does not need to raise this amount, but must demonstrate that it has a sustainable plan for the future.
“Donations are coming from every corner,” Fitese captain Marco van Hinkel told the club’s website, adding: “Of course we as a team cannot be left behind.
That’s why we all decided to make a sacrifice with our salaries. We also hope to make a nice contribution and reach two million!”
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