All clear for Alkmaar
Tuesday, July 1, 2003
Article summary
AZ Alkmaar have finally received their licence to play in the Eredivisie next season.
Article body
Second loan
The Royal Netherlands Football Association (KNVB) endorsed Alkmaar's place in the Dutch top flight after chairman Dirk Scheringa stepped in for a second time to lend financial assistance. Scheringa loaned the club €500,000 from his company DSB Beheer, just three weeks after another of his businesses, Frisia Financieringen, gave a loan of €4m.
Stadium difficulties
Alkmaar's troubles stem from continuing problems with their new Frisia stadium. They had hoped to have the venue ready for the start of next season but a series of hearings and appeals has meant they will have to wait until at least the 2005/06 campaign. Meanwhile, the club will find out on 19 August whether Alkmaar's city council will loan them €12.5m to help finance the stadium.
Three still waiting
Along with Alkmaar, the KNVB has also handed out licences to Go Ahead Eagles and BVO Emmen. This means only SBV Vitesse, AGOVV Opgericht and FC Den Bosch are still awaiting their licences.