André van Ginkel's exit puts Vitesse Arnhem's rescue plan to the test

In the bustling streets of Arnhem, Vitesse’s boardroom buzzed at 17:16 today as the club prepared to announce that André van Ginkel, one of its five shareholders, will relinquish his stake. The decision, set to be confirmed on Monday, marks a pivotal shift in the club’s ownership.

Vitesse confirmed that the share transfer will occur on Monday, formally ending Van Ginkel’s involvement as a shareholder. The announcement follows the 17:16 timestamp when the club first disclosed the impending change.

The departing shares will be acquired by Sterkhouders Vitesse Arnhem BV, ensuring the club remains under the control of the existing consortium. This entity will absorb Van Ginkel’s holdings without altering the current ownership structure.

Arnhem’s Vitesse has endured a financially precarious season, with its very existence threatened last year. The professional licence was briefly revoked before being reinstated, underscoring the club’s fragile position.

Since May, Sterkhouders BV, a group of five local businessmen, has overseen Vitesse’s operations. Van Ginkel’s exit adds to the recent reshuffling of the club’s financial backers.

"My mission from the start has been to rescue and preserve Vitesse. The club has demanded much of me, and I am proud to have contributed during a difficult period. However, my own business also requires significant time and attention, prompting my decision to end my interest in Vitesse," explained André van Ginkel on the club website.

"We are very grateful to André for everything he has meant to Vitesse," said Robert Kramer, joined by Arthur Leenders, Wolf Nathan and Ronald Ruijtenberg. "He has contributed uniquely to the club’s salvation, and his departure is a personal, well‑considered decision."

Van Ginkel’s withdrawal highlights the continued reliance on the Sterkhouders consortium to steer Vitesse through its ongoing financial challenges, reinforcing the importance of stable backing for the club’s future.