Sports sector concerned about government plans: keep sport affordable!

National sports umbrella organisation NOC*NSF and the Platform Ondernemende Sportaanbieders (Platform for Enterprising Sports Providers) have expressed their concerns about the plans of the incoming government. Increases in VAT on sports events, among other measures, will make sport more expensive and less accessible. Both organisations also speak on behalf of the Vechtsportautoriteit (Dutch Combat Sports Authority).

NOC*NSF points to the 7.3% increase in the gambling tax (kansspelbelasting) as the most striking measure. As a result, the contribution from lotteries to organised sport is expected to fall by €12.5 million, from €52 million to €39.5 million, compared with 2023. Much of the work of the sports federations and sports clubs is funded from this money.

Events more expensive
Another worrying measure is the increase in VAT on tickets for sports events. As a result, combat sports events are also expected to become some 12% more expensive. These developments threaten the quality and affordability of sport in the Netherlands.

Will taking part in sport also become more expensive?
The Platform Ondernemende Sportaanbieders, which represents gym owners and event promoters among others, says it is highly likely that the VAT increase will also apply to sports participation, including memberships for combat sports at commercial combat sports gyms.

“This is very bad news for our important sector and stands in stark contrast to the ambition in the coalition agreement to make greater use of sport and physical activity for prevention and for limiting healthcare costs,” the POS writes on its website. “We therefore wonder whether the parties realise this. As the representative of the enterprising sports sector organisations, we continually seek to protect and defend the interests of our members against external threats, such as this announcement of a VAT increase for sport-related services.”

NOC*NSF and the POS are consulting with numerous other partners in the world of sport, physical activity and health on a strategy to have the harmful plans withdrawn. The Vechtsportautoriteit is also involved in this, in consultation with the NVB (Dutch Combat Sports Association).

Photo: Uwe Aranas