Vitesse Arnhem will be relegated from the Eredivisie after the Dutch football federation imposed a massive 18-point deduction after the club failed to meet the requirements of its licensing regulations.

The deduction left Vitesse in bottom place on -1 points in the table, guaranteeing a first relegation in 35 seasons.

"It's a black day, but it's the harsh reality," said Edwin Reijntjes, the club's interim general manager.

"Such a sanction was unavoidable, but we are very happy with the opportunity being offered to us to retain our licence.

"The club wants to focus on maintaining its licence. An appeal will not help that."