Following an 18-point penalty and relegation, Dutch club Vitesse has been pushed to the brink of bankruptcy. This has only forced supporters to pitch in for survival.
This season was the first time in 35 years that Vitesse had been demoted from the top division. The Dutch Football Association docked them 18 points for willful and repeated violations of their license terms; and for giving the authorities false information.
Thus, the team is now in a mad dash to save their professional license for next season; especially after deciding not to appeal the suspension. According to Dutch news reports, they have until May 17, the next licensing committee meeting, to pay off their $20.3 million in debt.
While the exact sum is not necessary, the…