The European Commission has started a preliminary investigation into possible illegal state support for four Dutch football clubs: Vitesse (Arnhem), Willem II (Tilburg), MVV (Maastricht) and NEC Nijmegen.

All four clubs have been bailed out of financial trouble by their local councils by stadium lease deals.
Under EU rules, if a council owns the club’s stadium there must be no financial advantage for the club from the deal and the stadium should also be used for other purposes.