Sarina Wiegman warns Dutch women's football viability

Sarina Wiegman said the viability of Dutch women's football is at risk unless long‑term policy is adopted. She warned that several clubs face budget problems and cannot speak of professional football.

FC Utrecht announced cuts to its women's squad, releasing nine players. The team will also relocate from sportpark Zoudenbalch to amateur club VV De Meern.

NAC Breda has been relegated and must reduce spending. Fortuna Sittard withdrew after three seasons, while Telstar transferred its licence to new club Hera United and was relegated after one season in the Eredivisie.

Former player Leonne Stentler described the situation as "extremely painful" and said women's football depends on a director who truly believes in it. She added that this belief appears lacking.

FC Utrecht disclosed an investment of about five million euros in its women's section over three years without achieving break‑even. Manager Marlou Peeters said cost adjustments are necessary when expenses exceed income.

Remco Oversier, director of NAC, highlighted the KNVB's increased licence requirements for facilities, lighting and player numbers, noting clubs struggle with limited revenue from tickets, TV, sponsorship and commerce.

Oversier praised the KNVB's annual subsidy of 100,000 euros and the removal of first‑division licence demands, saying the federation is listening and thinking along.

A KNVB spokesperson explained that higher licence standards aim to let players focus full‑time and that step‑by‑step improvements will provide more time, facilities and support for development.

Oversier argued that future revenue will come from transfers and emphasized talent development; Grace Geyoro's move from Paris Saint-Germain to London City Lionesses set a record fee of 1.65 million euros.

Stentler and Wiegman noted England's rapid progress, citing Arsenal's average home attendance of at least 20,000 and sponsors such as Barclays and British Gas in the Women's Super League. Defender Soraya Verhoeve, one of the nine departing FC Utrecht players, said the Netherlands once led England but has been overtaken, while captain Marthe Munsterman posted shirts reading "We do not fit in the budget" and cited lack of club support and minimal budget as reasons for departures.