The Dutch football federation (KNVB)
announced on Tuesday its intention to call an end to the season, subject to
discussions with UEFA, following the government’s decision to extend a ban on
large gatherings until September due to the coronavirus pandemic.
announced on Tuesday its intention to call an end to the season, subject to
discussions with UEFA, following the government’s decision to extend a ban on
large gatherings until September due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“The professional football committee
intends to not continue to play the 2019/20 competition. The KNVB will consult
UEFA, after which a decision will be taken,” the federation said in a
statement.
intends to not continue to play the 2019/20 competition. The KNVB will consult
UEFA, after which a decision will be taken,” the federation said in a
statement.
Clubs and other stakeholders will meet
Friday to discuss the issue.
Friday to discuss the issue.
According to the KNVB, matches behind
closed doors will not be possible as they are considered events which require a
permit and police presence. “There will be no matches before
September 1,” the statement added.
closed doors will not be possible as they are considered events which require a
permit and police presence. “There will be no matches before
September 1,” the statement added.
The top-flight Eredivisie and second
division have been suspended since March 12. Earlier on Tuesday, European football’s
governing body UEFA made “a strong recommendation” to finish domestic
competitions after holding a videoconference with its 55 member associations.
division have been suspended since March 12. Earlier on Tuesday, European football’s
governing body UEFA made “a strong recommendation” to finish domestic
competitions after holding a videoconference with its 55 member associations.
However, it added that “some special
cases will be heard once guidelines concerning participation to European
competitions — in case of a cancelled league — have been developed.”
cases will be heard once guidelines concerning participation to European
competitions — in case of a cancelled league — have been developed.”
UEFA said any decisions would be
announced after its Executive Committee meets on Thursday. Before that it is
due to meet with the powerful European Club Association (ECA) and the European
Leagues grouping, which represents nearly a thousand clubs in 29 countries, on
Wednesday.
announced after its Executive Committee meets on Thursday. Before that it is
due to meet with the powerful European Club Association (ECA) and the European
Leagues grouping, which represents nearly a thousand clubs in 29 countries, on
Wednesday.
There are eight rounds of matches left
in the top division, with defending champions Ajax ahead of AZ Alkmaar on goal
difference. The Dutch Cup final had been scheduled for April 19.
in the top division, with defending champions Ajax ahead of AZ Alkmaar on goal
difference. The Dutch Cup final had been scheduled for April 19.
