There has been a simmering ‘war situation’ between the Supervisory Board (RVC) and the board of FC Volendam for months. The RVC just announced this at a press conference. Under the leadership of chairman Jan Smit, the board has already received three formal warnings about the financial situation of the club and the battle between the board and the RVC.
According to the RVC, the situation between the board led by Jan Smit and the RVC has been dramatic for some time. “Jan Smit has been on the board of FC Volendam since July 1, 2022. Within a year after taking office, the equity has plummeted from 0 euros to minus 3 million euros. In other words: the cost level of FC Volendam did not fit in within one year. in some respects more in line with the club’s income and revenue model.”
“The period under Jan Smit was characterized as a continuous battle between the board and the RVC. This resulted in an irreparable breach of trust and mutual struggle over the management of the club. There have been several confrontations.”
Confrontations and five-hour presentation
These confrontations include no fewer than three ‘formal yellow cards’, also known as official warnings, from the RVC to the board.
According to the RVC, the final escalation comes after a five-hour presentation by the board about a new course at FC Volendam. The board presented a plan with 54 points to reform the club. The board reportedly made it clear that they would resign if the RVC did not agree to the reforms.
The RVC subsequently decided to actively support these reforms, but to object on three points. According to Jaap Veerman, Jan Smit then said on the phone: “Jaap, it’s war now. The fight is only now really starting. I never want to speak to you one on one again.”
The door was not closed yet
On November 26 a letter was then sent to discuss the situation that had arisen. The letter also indicated that the board would be dismissed if nothing came of it. According to the RVC, the door was still open to get out, but the board had no choice chosen for it to fight it out through the media. That is why it was finally decided yesterday to proceed with dismissal. “Jan played that terribly hard. The RVC was almost on its knees, but not quite.”
“We have the tsunami underestimated, because the chairman had enormous media power. So there was still an option to avert dismissal. That was then fought out through the media, and not through the conversation we wanted to have.”
At the end of the press conference, RVC chairman Jaap Veerman also added that the suspension of Frans ten Berge, the business director who as a final feat was suspended by Jan Smit.