A recent investigation has uncovered that under-the-table payments to players are rampant among amateur football clubs in Friesland, Drenthe, and Groningen, raising fears about criminal elements infiltrating the sport. According to Dagblad van het Noorden (DvhN), nearly 12.5% of clubs can clearly identify teams involved in such illicit payment schemes, and close to 70% are demanding stricter regulation from the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB).
The study, which involved 108 amateur football clubs in the northern provinces, revealed a concerning norm of compensating players with undeclared, off-the-books cash—commonly referred to as black money. Around one in three clubs suspect rival teams of using black money, with nearly half believing such payments are routine in their leagues. Only 5% of the clubs believe legal payments (white money) are the norm.
Black money refers to undeclared income, often paid in cash to avoid taxation and detection. One club representative disclosed that they knew “several clubs” where players were handed envelopes of money in the changing rooms. A player told DvhN that although these payments can sometimes be open, they are usually kept private to avoid drawing attention. Some clubs reportedly funnel payments through sponsor payrolls to avoid official scrutiny while keeping their books clean.
Experts caution that this practice can pave the way for criminal groups to infiltrate clubs. Bureau Beke, an institute researching organized crime, warned that black money transactions can create entry points for criminals to pose as sponsors or board members. These individuals might use clubs to launder money or elevate their social standing. Notably, the now-defunct Haarlem club Young Boys advanced rapidly through the ranks between 2005 and 2010 before being shut down due to ties with drug trafficking and illegal gambling. Similarly, OFC in Oostzaan rose through the divisions before a 2016 raid led to the arrest of a sponsor and a board member on money laundering charges.
The investigation also found that the higher the amateur club’s level, the more prevalent black money usage becomes—driven by ambitions to quickly improve performance by illegally hiring skilled players. Nearly half the clubs suspect this is happening in their own leagues, with suspicion increasing in higher divisions. The frequent promotions of some clubs have led to growing concern and calls for increased financial transparency.
About 20% of clubs in the Northern Dutch Amateur Football provinces suspect some degree of criminal interference in club management. While only 4% have reported confirmed cases of such interference, Bureau Beke estimates that one in six clubs across the country could be at risk.
Despite the risks, nine out of ten clubs say they forbid cash payments, indicating an effort to maintain integrity. However, researchers caution that the data might be skewed, as clubs involved in black money schemes may have opted not to participate in the survey. More than half of the clubs reported vetting new sponsors, with some turning down those suspected of using illicit funds. One club rejected a sponsor thought to have obtained money through fraud, while another refused a sponsor offering only cash, deeming it untrustworthy.
The KNVB acknowledges the seriousness of the situation and plans to strengthen oversight in the upcoming season. Measures include requiring support foundation board members to register with the KNVB and enforcing stricter financial accountability. Suspected violations will be reviewed by the KNVB’s independent integrity committee, which may impose disciplinary action.
“Criminal infiltration is a growing issue in society and extends to Northern Dutch Amateur Football,” a KNVB representative stated. “Although our legal enforcement capabilities are limited, we aim to counteract undercutting through education, awareness, and collaboration with local governments and law enforcement.”
Joey Wolsink from Bureau Beke advised clubs to reject all cash-based sponsorships to help block illegal funding channels. “Turning down cash payments is a clear way to stop criminals from using clubs as fronts for dirty money,” he told DvhN, adding that clubs desperate for sponsors may be especially vulnerable to accepting dubious funds.
Also read In a thrilling preseason matchup, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr will take on the Championship team.
