De Graafschap are demanding answers after the KNVB overturned a decision to relegate FC Twente.
- By Nicholas Koopman
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According to De Telegraaf, De Graafschap are seeking answers after the club were held ‘hostage’ over the past month as the protracted row between FC Twente and the KNVB was resolved. De Graafschap maintain that the uncertainty over which league the club would play in next season, either the Eredivise or Jupiler League, meant that the club could not do any business in the transfer market, as players were unwilling to commit.
FC Twente were officially relegated to the Jupiler League, after financial irregularities, but then won their case on appeal. This meant that De Graafschap, who had been relegated after finishing seventeenth last season, were reinstated and then relegated again following the appeal. The club argue they are prepared to fight for their place in the Eredivisie as clear and definite guidelines are in place.
In a statement, posted on their official website, the club maintain that FC Twente should not be allowed back in to the Eredivisie, as this questions the entire integrity of the league. The club want the KNVB to strictly enforce the rules in order to ensure a fair and level playing field for all competing teams, saying “De Graafschap now, wanted and unwanted, take the lead in a process whose outcome should be a fair competition and clear regulations which is carefully monitored by the KNVB. We owe that to our employees, our volunteers, our supporters, but also those of all the other clubs.”
De Graafschap has consulted several leading experts in sports law, who have advised the club they certainly have a case to pursue. However, the club are now waiting for the KNVB to comment before deciding on any course of action.
Any hope that the dispute between FC Twente, the KNVB and De Graafschap could be quickly resolved looks doubtful as a lengthy battle now looks entirely possible.