Merab Zhordania said goodbye to “Vitesse” Arnhem of Holland.

In October Zhordania sold a controlling stake of the club to Russian millionaire Alexander Tsjigirinski. The Russian has financed “Vitesse” since 2010. Zhordania became a chairman of the board of directors. However, according to the Dutch media, Zhordania left the post on Tuesday and Bert Rutert replaced him.

According to the Georgian, “Vitesse” needed changes and Rutert is the person who can help the team because he knows the situation well.

According to the Dutch media, “Vitesse” does not concrete the reason why Zhordania left the team. However, the Dutch journalists name some versions. One of the reasons is that Zhordania could not carry out his goal. In August 2010 when Zhordania became owner of the club he stated “Vitesse” would have won the championship or play at Champions League in three years.

Besides that, his investments did not work. Millions were spent on those football players who were not valuable for “Vitesse”. 6 coaches worked for the club for 3 years. Plus, a lot of money was spent on managers of other players.

Bert Rutert praised Zhordania and stated the Georgian took “Vitesse” on higher level. Zhordania built ultramodern gym complex for the club. The Dutch press reports that Zhordania was very popular with the football players and fans of “Vitesse”. 

Lasha Tabagari