Dutch club will lose its place in European Cup because... it lacks a license

Fortuna Sittard's (Netherlands) efforts to qualify for next season's Conference League have run into an obstacle that no seasoned tactician can overcome: lack of a license!

Alen Halilovic and Fortuna Sittard will officially not participate in the play-off match for a place in the Conference League next season - Photo: IMAGO

The Dutch Championship (Eredevisie) has two more rounds to go and Fortuna Sittard is currently ninth in the table, a position that will earn them a play-off spot to compete for a place in the Conference League next season.

However, Fortuna Sittard failed to provide UEFA with an external accountant's report on their financial situation, "among other issues". This left Fortuna unable to apply for a UEFA license, and therefore unable to play in any European competitions.

Fortuna Sittard general manager Martijn Merks expressed his sadness and disappointment on the club's website.

"We want to make money from our sporting achievements on the pitch by participating in the play-offs. So we are fighting until the last day to get a place," he said.

This is the result of hard work and dedication from everyone in the organisation. But it is disappointing that we cannot reward a great sporting season."

With Fortuna Sittard eliminated, tenth-placed Sparta Rotterdam are likely to secure the final play-off spot. Despite the disappointment, Martijn Merks still supports UEFA's decision, saying that everything must be transparent.

"We think it's important to be transparent," he said. "We are now busy preparing for the new season and continuing to protect the future of the club. We hope to meet the licensing requirements for the new season without any problems."

QUOC THANG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/cau-lac-bo-o-ha-lan-se-mat-suat-du-cup-chau-au-vi-thieu-giay-phep-20250513200830159.htm