LONDON, England, April 2- The Royal Netherlands Football Association have revealed they are to investigate claims that Chelsea have interfered in the affairs of Vitesse Arnhem.
This, after former Vitesse owner Merab Jordania claimed he had been prevented from winning the league title as “London would ultimately not allow it”.
Having parted ways with Vitesse under acrimonious circumstances, it is certain that Jordania’s latest comments are likely to drive a massive wedge between him and Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich.
In an interview with Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Jordania said: “I wanted to be the champion with Vitesse, but London would ultimately not allow it.
“Having ambition is fine, but we were told Vitesse could not be in the Champions League with Chelsea.”
Vitesse are currently under the ownership of Alexander Chigrinsky, a Russian tycoon who is a close associate of Abramovich.
According to UEFA rules, two clubs under the same ownership cannot compete in the Champions League, meaning that if Chelsea did indeed interfere in the way that Vitesse has been run, they could face serious censure from the European football governing body.
A statement released by the KNVB read: “The board of directors of the KNVB have contacted Vitesse about these claims. “In the interest of the integrity of the league, the KNVB is asking Vitesse to give an explanation of their organisational structure. “We have asked for information about the new owners.
“Persons are not allowed to occupy a position in several professional clubs in Holland or abroad. Vitesse also have to send a testimonial of good conduct.”
