Just Spee is resigning from his duties at the KNVB football association for health reasons. The 58-year-old Spee was appointed chairman in 2019. Last year the Haarlemmer was re-elected.
“Unfortunately, my health does not allow me to continue the work I enjoyed so much. That hurts,” said Spee. “I have come to know the KNVB as a great organization with excellent colleagues, with whom I have worked wonderfully. Then saying goodbye is difficult, especially if it is forced to do so by circumstances. The cliché is that health comes before everything, which unfortunately applies now also for my situation.”
The association regrets, but respects, Spee’s decision. “Just’s departure is incredibly unfortunate and sad. He has done a great job for the association, internationally, but certainly also in his own country, although the latter is often less visible. I have seen the good role he has played, also within the organization, and I would like to thank him for that,” said Jan Albers, chairman of the supervisory board.
Spee will officially remain chairman of the association until the next association meeting in December. He then formally resigns from his position. Spee will remain a member of the UEFA Executive Committee. “He will continue to fulfill this position, which is considerably less demanding in terms of time and energy, for the time being,” the association said.
In 2019, Spee succeeded Michael van Praag. The KNVB will soon start “a careful process” for Spee’s succession.