The KNVB are set to deduct three points from FC Twente after financial trouble, but that may not be the end of the problems for the Enschede club.

  • By Michael Bell
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00000 twente trSince last April Twente have been classified in the highest grade of financial trouble in Dutch football, category one, but they presented a plan to the KNVB which was meant to ease their money fears.

The repayment of debt at their Grolsche Veste stadium was restructured, while high earners such as Luc Castaignos, Rasmus Bengtsson and Jerson Cabral were to be sold in January to raise funds. However no transfers materialised in January, meaning their targets to pay back their debt were not met and due to KNVB rules they are set to be deducted three points.

The loss of three points would see Twente drop to ninth in the table, and further away to a top seventh finish which would see them in the play-offs for European football. The added money from a spell in the Europa league could be crucial for the club, and they could find a way into the competition by winning the KNVB Cup, with their semi-final against holders PEC Zwolle taking place in April.

Twente are in financial trouble after lavish spending over the past few years, with high transfer fee’s and wages paid to bring big name players to Enschede, and help the club remain at the top of the league table after their league title win in 2010 under coach Steve McClaren.

The recklessness of the clubs owners is now coming back to bite the club, with a report from Voetbal International finding that the club are now in a monthly dilemma to either pay back creditors or the players wages. The report says Twente are relying on finance from wealthy friends and third parties and suggests that if everyone that was owed by the club demanded their money back now then they would be bankrupt.

The summer is set to be one of transition for the club with a number of first team players likely to be sold. Luc Castaignos is coming into the final year of his contract at the club and will look to move, while the club could raise cash from the sale of stars such as Hakim Ziyech, Jesus Corona and Kamohelo Mokotjo, who was linked to Southampton in January.

The past few years has seen a number of professional clubs in Netherlands going bankrupt, and ceasing to exist, including Veendam, AGOVV and Haarlem. If Twente do not find a solution to their money troubles then they could be the next big name tragedy to fall foul of dire financial straits.




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