The Dutch Football Association (KNVB) has been ordered to allow Fortuna Sittard back into the First Division next season.

The club has been in financial difficulties for many years, which was the reason the KNVB decided to exclude it. However, a court in Utrecht has now ruled in summary proceedings that the decision was not taken with sufficient care and that the correct formal procedure was not followed properly. The football association is considering whether to appeal against the judgment.

For some time Fortuna Sittard had been talking with another Limburg team, Premier League Roda JC, about a merger intended to ensure their survival. It was after the merger was called off at the last moment that the KNVB withdrew Fortuna's licence to play first division football.
 

Photo by Erik Luyten (Flickr)