The Eredivisie balls
The Eredivisie balls

Eredivisie decides to void 2019/20 season: No league title or promotion and relegation


The Dutch FA have announced that the Eredivisie season has been voided, meaning that there will be no overall winner.

Ajax, who are currently level on points with AZ Alkmaar but ahead on goal difference at the top, have been denied a second consecutive title.

There will also be no promotion to or relegation from the top flight, following an agreement reached over a video conference call between the KNVB and its clubs.

The KNVB had initially planned to resume the season for the top two divisions on June 19, with all games being played behind closed doors.

However, the government announced a three-month extension to the playing ban on Tuesday, resulting in the Dutch FA choosing to declare their season over.

As per UEFA's directive for qualification for their European competitions to be decided on "sporting merit", the KNVB has opted to use the league table as it stood when the season was suspended in March.

That means Ajax and AZ Alkmaar go into the Champions League, with Ajax entering at the final stage of qualifying.

Third-placed Feyenoord will qualify for the Europa League group stage while PSV and Willem II head into the second qualifying round for the Europa League, subject to confirmation from UEFA.

Ajax won the league in 2019
Ajax won the league in 2019

A statement from Eredivisie read: "The professional football board, after consulting clubs, players and coaches, and with the approval of the Supervisory Board, has decided to stop the 2019-20 competition and to allow the allocation of European club football spots based on the current league table.

"This is in accordance with UEFA guidelines. In relation to promotion and demotion, it has been decided not to promote and not to be demoted.

"It is a situation that was considered impossible, so that nothing is included in the KNVB regulations.

"Nevertheless, it had to be decided how the European tickets will be distributed this season and whether clubs will be promoted and relegated.

"If so, which clubs are they and on what basis? Aware of the different visions and interests for the clubs, the KNVB is aware that whatever decision had to be made, every option would hurt somewhere."

RKC Waalwijk, who are currently bottom of the table and eleven points adrift of Zwolle in 15th, have welcomed the decision not to enforce promotion or relegation.

Waalwijk managing director Frank van Mosselveld stated: "The KNVB made the decision we hoped for this afternoon by not applying promotion and relegation to the 2019/2020 season.

"There is now clarity, so that we can work towards the new season. The KNVB had to make a difficult decision, because there is now a bigger game in the world."


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