Fortuna Sittard is promising in the Eredivisie in the race for the European Cup places. But the dream of international business bursts before the season finale.
The last match day of the season is on the program next weekend in the first Dutch league. With NEC Nijmegen, SC Heerenveen and Fortuna Sittard, eight to ten teams with 40 points each are on the stands.
Places eight and nine entitle the EREDIVISIE this season to participate in the European playoffs – it is about the qualification for the Conference League. Fortuna Sittard does not really have to make an effort in the game against FC Utrecht in order to displace one of the two clubs in front of them.
UEFA requirements not fulfilled up to the deadline
For example, those responsible have announced that – regardless of the final placement – the association will not take part in the playoffs.
Accordingly, the club from the province of Limburg missed to present the required documents for a UEFA license at the European Association until the Deadline on April 8. For example, the report of an external auditor was missing.
“It is disappointing that we cannot reward a great sports season,” said Managing Director Martijn Merk. “We would have liked to honor our sporting success on the square with the playoff participation.”
Liga appeals to teams
The league has already confirmed that the team placed behind Fortuna would be preferred for the playoffs if Sittard showed one of the corresponding places in the final bill.
League boss Jan de Jong therefore appealed to all teams to apply for a UEFA license in time to avoid “such undesirable situations” in the future.
“This would make sure that everyone knows exactly what they are playing for. And it would contribute to greater financial stability in football, which is very important for us.