The KNVB has taken disciplinary measures against referee Danny Makkelie. This is confirmed by a spokesperson for the football association following a report in De Telegraaf. The union does not want to say what the measures are. However, the KNVB has indicated that Makkelie will not referee any matches this weekend as a result of the commotion that has arisen.
The 34-year-old referee has been sanctioned because he borrowed a considerable amount of money from the former referee Jaap Uilenberg. He is a member in the UEFA Referees Committee and also acts as Makkelie’s referee coach. Makkelie needed that money to purchase a new home. "Research has shown that it was a risk-free, short-term loan that was repaid within two months", reports the KNVB. "There have been no illegal acts, but it goes without saying that the image of a dependency or preferential relationship between Makkelie and Uilenberg is highly undesirable. The KNVB considers integrity to be of paramount importance and has addressed both of them. The committee has taken disciplinary measures against Makkelie. The KNVB will tighten the rules of conduct in this area”. Uilenberg has no influence in the domestic appointment of referees, but is actively involved at the UEFA level. The KNVB discontinued his coaching relationship with Makkelie and reported the incident to UEFA. After refereeing the top match AZ - Ajax, Makkelie was removed from the Cup game PSV - Venlo and as VAR from Zwolle - NEC, and will not be appointed to any Eredivisie match this upcoming weekend.
"I have had the opportunity to buy a house that I have been looking for a long time and where I could live with my parents, which I value very much. We were able to sell our apartments quickly and with the financing I could also arrange it easily. I was offered the opportunity to use the short-term bridge until the notary releases of the surplus value for the renovation of our new home", said Makkelie. "This was a business loan that was made between Jaap Uilenberg and me, and of course friendship and trust also played a major role here - a relationship that we built-up alongside the coaching; it was a short-term loan that has already been repaid. I am really wondering: what is the problem? I have absolutely not seen the seriousness that is being displayed, the penalty that the KNVB imposes on me because of this bridging is in my opinion unjustified. As far as Peter van Dongen is concerned, he is careless in his remarks and ignores the interests of the referees by making statements in the media. There is already quite a number of colleagues who are no longer members of the BSBV because of a large degree of distrust and dissatisfaction".
Source: AD / De Telegraaf
