Eredivisie clubs will meet this week to discuss how to deal with the Dutch government banning all football until the start of September because of coronavirus.
The decision was made by Prime Minister Mark Rutte to extend the country’s ban on major events for over five months, although schools in the Netherlands are reopening after the May holiday period.
UPDATE:There will be no Dutch football untill September@KNVB intends to end the current season 19/20Friday a call with clubs about the consequences of this decision pic.twitter.com/1wziSQDvFO
— Eredivisie (English) (@EredivisieEN) April 21, 2020
Banning all major events until September effectively cancels the 2019/20 Dutch football season, though the KNVB, who govern football in the country, have not yet made a definitive decision to declare the campaign ended.
They will hold talks with UEFA over how to proceed, while clubs in Holland’s top-flight are to meet and assess how the season can be decided with no more matches to be played.
A KNVB statement read: “As a result [of the government’s decision], the board of professional football, which is formally about that, intends not to continue playing the 2019/20 competition.
“Based on the governments decision today, the KNVB will consult with UEFA, after which the decision will be taken.
on this day
‘Best ever’ Man United team’s incredible 99/00 title winning season 20 years on
expert view
Players told to do ‘sensible’ thing and wear face masks when football returns
news
PL asked to block Newcastle takeover, Spurs stars say sorry, support for Ozil
SO CLOSE
Rush backs behind closed doors finish, says ‘unbelievable’ Liverpool deserve title
STOP IT
Premier League told to block Newcastle takeover by major overseas broadcast partner
predicted
How Arsenal could line-up next season with 28-goal Aubameyang replacement
Mistake
Spurs stars say sorry for flouting government guidelines and make NHS pledge
ambition
Newcastle want Pochettino or Allegri and are ‘in talks with’ Cavani and Mertens
code thread
Ally McCoist reveals one of Gazza’s favourite pranks to pull at Rangers
OFF?
Aubameyang to follow Chelsea and Liverpool stars who benefited by leaving Arsenal?
“On Friday, the clubs and other parties involved will meet to discuss the consequences.”
At the time of coronavirus suspending football in the Netherlands, Ajax were leading the Eredivisie on goal difference, with AZ Alkmaar level on points in second place.
Feyenoord and PSV Eindhoven made up the rest of the top four, while RKC Waalwijk were in last place and ADO Den Haag – managed by Alan Pardew – and Fortuna Sittard filled out the bottom three.