Fortuna Sittard ineligible for potential European play-off spot due to lack of UEFA licence

The Limburg side failed to submit a UEFA licence application before the April 8, 2025 deadline. Fortuna did not meet all the necessary requirements, including providing an external auditor’s statement in accordance with UEFA regulations.

With two rounds remaining, Fortuna currently sit ninth in the Eredivisie table. Normally, the sides finishing between fifth and eighth contest the European play-offs. However, as KNVB Cup winners Go Ahead Eagles have already secured a European place while sitting seventh, the play-off berth for this season is extended to ninth place.

As Fortuna are ineligible and could potentially finish eighth or ninth, any play-off spot they might have earned will be passed on to the next eligible club.

Eredivisie C.V. is calling for a structural solution to prevent similar situations in the future, says Jan de Jong, CEO of Eredivisie C.V.:

“To prevent these undesirable situations in the future, Eredivisie C.V. believes every club in the Eredivisie should apply for and obtain a UEFA licence. This would ensure that everyone knows exactly what they are playing for and would contribute to greater financial stability within football, which are both key priorities for us. It would also prevent any disruption to the competition.”

Fortuna have been battling all season to secure a top-half finish and appeared well-placed to challenge for a play-off spot. Just three points separate eighth from 13th in the standings, setting up a thrilling finale in the race for the final two play-off places.

With six points still available from the remaining fixtures, sc Heerenveen, Sparta Rotterdam, PEC Zwolle, FC Groningen and NEC will now compete to join AZ and FC Twente in the fight for a place in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Europa Conference League.