EU Competition Watchdog Says European Commission Will Investigate Dutch Clubs

The European Commission "will investigate whether financial support given to five Dutch football clubs complies with EU rules on state aid," according to Robert-Jan Bartunek of REUTERS. The in-depth investigation, which centers on clubs NEC Nijmegen, MVV Maastricht, Willem II Tilburg, PSV Eindhoven and FC Den Bosch, "concerns deals done between the clubs and the local council, often involving real estate transactions." Competition Commissioner Joaquin Almunia said, “I strongly believe that professional football clubs should be well managed and not ask for help from the tax-payer when facing financial difficulties" (REUTERS, 3/6).