Vitesse Arnhem have been hit with a huge sanction by Dutch football's governing body for a range of serious breaches, while the club's links to Roman Abramovich remain under investigation

Vitesse Arnhem have been relegated from the Eredivisie after being deducted a massive 18 points.

The KNVB, the governing body of Dutch football, have sanctioned the financially-stricken club because they have repeatedly failed to meet licensing requirements. Vitesse were already bottom of the Eredivisie and have now officially been relegated from the Dutch top flight for the first time in 35 years.

The unprecedented sanction is due to the “exceptional seriousness” and extent of the violations, which included providing false information and withholding information. Vitesse have decided not to appeal against the punishment, which stopped short of stripping the club of its licence.

Both the KNVB and Vitesse also noted the ongoing investigation by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate into the club’s ties with Roman Abramovich. Vitesse and Chelsea previously had a close relationship, with the Blues often sending its youngsters on loan to Arnhem, but both denied Abramovich had any official or financial involvement in the Dutch club.

“The licensing committee concludes from the investigation report by Wladimiroff Advocaten that there are indications that Abramovich has or has had control over Vitesse and that there are risks of violation of sanctions and money laundering and therefore considers it important to await the ministry's investigation,” the statement read.

Russian oligarch Abramovich was sanctioned by the EU in 2022 as part of efforts to target Kremlin allies following the invasion of Ukraine. Abramovich was forced to sell Chelsea in May 2022 and the Guardian and the Bureau of Investigative Journalism used leaked files to allege that he secretly poured over €100million into Vitesse, despite always denying a formal relationship with the club. Those claims are still being investigated.

Vitesse’s interim general manager Edwin Reijntjes 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.

“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!”

Chelsea are also being investigated for financial dealings during Abramovich’s time at the club. The Blues are alleged to have used offshore accounts linked to Abramovich to make payments worth tens of millions of pounds over a 10-year period.