VITESSE have been relegated from the Eredivisie after being handed an 18-POINT deduction.

The club, who have spent the last 35 years in the Dutch top flight, are accused of providing incorrect information required for investigators into potential violations of sanctions.

They also allegedly withheld information important for the assessment of the club's continued existence.

And they have repeatedly failed to meet the requirements of the licencing regulations.

A restructuring plan has been submitted to the Dutch FA but this is yet to be accepted.

The 18-point punishment means they are bottom of the Eredivisie on -1 points with just four games remaining.

Prior to the penalty, they already looked set to be relegated as they were seven points adrift of escaping the automatic relegation spots.

But their fate has now been sealed, with interim general manager Edwin Reijntjes admitting the punishment was "inevitable".

In a club statement, he said: "Although this is a dark day for everything and everyone who cares about Vitesse, this is the harsh reality. After all, such a punishment was inevitable.

"On the other hand – and I really want to make this clear to everyone – we are extremely happy with the opportunity that is being offered to us to retain our licence. This too was hanging by a thread.

CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS

"However, it is clear in the response of the Licensing Committee that there is confidence in the club's new direction.

"We cling to that and we will continue with it.

"I said it before: Vitesse should not and cannot disappear!"

Vitesse have confirmed they will not appeal against the punishment handed out by the licensing committee.

The relegation comes just six years after Chelsea and England star Mason Mount enjoyed a successful loan spell at the club.

Mount, 25, scored 14 goals and provided ten assists in 39 games, helping them to sixth in the Eredivise as they earned a spot in the Europa League qualifying rounds.

They also reached the last 16 of the Europa Conference League in 2022 before they lost 2-1 on aggregate to eventual winners Roma.

Their run to the knockout stages included a 1-0 win over Tottenham in the group stage.