The Netherlands is in shock: the owner of the Eredivisie club dies suddenly

Dutch football was shocked by the terrible news on Thursday. The Go Ahead Eagles have announced that club owner Kees Vierhouten has died suddenly at the age of 51.

The club briefly announced on social media: “Go Ahead Eagles are saddened to learn of the passing of 51-year-old Kees Verhouten. The main shareholder of Go Ahead Eagles passed away on Wednesday evening due to a heart attack.”

The owner of Go Ahead Eagles has died suddenly

This news comes as a huge blow to the Go Ahead Eagles team. After all, Verhouten has only been the majority shareholder since 2022, and has invested heavily in the club over the past two years. He has funded the renovation of the club’s stadium De Adelaarshorst, and more has been made possible in the area of ​​transfers since his arrival.

After all, Vierhouten was a millionaire and wasn’t shy about pumping money into his favorite club. He had bought a 30 percent stake in 2019 and also became the main sponsor of one of his companies, becoming the majority shareholder three years later.

Immediately after obtaining a European ticket

Under his policy, the results increased. This season, the Go Ahead Eagles have secured a European ticket for the first time in nine years. They finished ninth in the Eredivisie and then won the play-offs, meaning they can enter the Conference League next season.

There are also four Belgians signed to the club from Deventer. Filip Romenz, Xander Blom and Thibaut Payten were already active for Go Ahead last season, and Matthijs Souray has also been signed for next season.

🙏 Go Ahead Eagles is saddened to learn of the passing of 51-year-old Kees Verhouten. The main shareholder of Go Ahead Eagles died on Wednesday evening following a heart attack. pic.twitter.com/MUkJgrtdu5

– Go ahead, Eagles 🦅 (GAEagles) June 6, 2024