Mason Mount’s former club saved from bankruptcy 25 MINUTES before deadline after being booted out of league
MASON MOUNT’s former club Vitesse Arnhem were saved from bankruptcy just minutes before the deadline.
The Dutch side were booted out of the Eredivisie after being hit with an 18-point deduction for failing to meet licensing requirements.
The club’s future was then plunged into doubt due to £16million worth of debt.
The club was set a deadline to save itself from bankruptcy of 11.59pm on July 1.
The situation had become so dire that Vitesse had resorted to asking fans for donations.
However, there was an unexpected twist as businessman Guus Franke reached an agreement to takeover the club from American Coley Parry.
Franke had previously tried to agree on a takeover but failed.
He revealed that he decided to try one more time as the issue kept “nagging” at him.
He said: “I was disappointed to the core that, despite the efforts of so many people, we had not been able to achieve this.
“But it kept nagging at me, and despite everything, the fans remained as combative as ever.
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“Then I decided to pick up the phone one more time, shoot one more time for the goal in the last second of injury time, and then we worked it out.”
Fans were thrilled at the news as they gathered at the club’s training complex in Papendal.
Vitesse's former notable players
Throughout the years there have been some notbale players turn ut for the Dutch side.
This list includes:
- Wilfried Bony
- Mason Mount
- Robin Gosens
- Martin Odegaard
- Nemanja Matic
- Marco van Ginkel
- Christian Atsu
- Lois Openda
- Bertrand Traore
- Marvelous Nakamba
A video emerged on social media of the supporters celebrating the news.
They could be seen cheering and letting off flairs in jubilant scenes.
The club’s interim director Edwin Reijntjes said: “Everyone’s patience has once again been tested.
“It is strange how certain processes work, especially when a deadline is approaching.
“With this agreement, we were able to complete all other required documents. It worked.
“We have submitted our appeal, including the budget and the request for change of control. In short, we have met the deadline.
“We are now waiting for the case to be heard.”
The club must now win its appeal and obtain a new professional license.
Vitesse must also show that the problems with ING Bank have been resolved.
Franke added: “It is incredible what emotions the continued existence of such a beautiful, traditional club brings.
“The positive energy that has arisen in recent weeks says everything about the value of the club for Arnhem and far beyond.
“I hope that we can achieve this quickly and are at the start of very good times.”
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