FC Groningen filed a police report together with Allach after an organized gang pretended to be the club and tried to extract money from players and scouts. The fraudsters sent a fake payment link for a supposed medical exam, travel costs and flights. An English player ended up stranded at Schiphol, convinced he would join FC Groningen.

How did the scam work?

The scammers approached scouts with contract proposals that listed net amounts, while football normally uses gross figures. Once the deal was sealed, the scout received a payment link. According to chief scout Arno de Jong, a broker called about large sums, but the offer turned out to be from the fraudsters. The club received dozens of warning calls from scouts over a few weeks.

Why does this affect FC Groningen?

The club now has to restore its reputation and prevent players and agents from falling into the trap. The English player waiting at Schiphol had already turned down other interested clubs. His agent likely transferred money to the gang. FC Groningen has involved the KNVB and the Public Prosecution Service and is warning other clubs about the method.

Have other clubs been hit?

Frank van Mosselveld, general director of FC Groningen, confirmed that Roda JC and PEC Zwolle suffered similar incidents. At Roda JC the name of director Jordens Peters was misused; at PEC Zwolle it involved Gerry Hamstra. The pattern points to a nationwide fraud network targeting Dutch clubs.

What does this mean for the current squad?

The club must stay vigilant while continuing the Eredivisie season. Currently FC Groningen sits 9th in the Eredivisie with 48 points, 14 wins, 6 draws and 14 losses, and a recent form of WWLLD. They have scored 49 goals and conceded 45, a +4 goal difference. The team is missing Stije Resink through injury but keeps fighting for a higher finish.

What comes next?

The police investigation is ongoing, and the club is cooperating with the KNVB to track down the scammers. Arno de Jong remains alert to suspicious emails and calls. FC Groningen urges players, agents and partners to report any unusual request immediately. The aim is to protect the club’s integrity and Dutch football as a whole.