“The greatest shame in history”: early termination of the Dutch soccer championship turned into a scandal

In the Netherlands, a major scandal erupts over the decision of the Royal Football Union (KNVB) to prematurely end the season due to the coronavirus pandemic. The most controversial issues are the preservation of the standings in their current form and the distribution of places in European competitions.

The leader of the top division, Eredivisi, Ajax will not be recognized as a champion, but will fall into the Champions League playoffs. Losing to him by the difference in goals scored and conceded AZ will go to the second qualifying round of the tournament. The third to fifth Feyenoord, PSV and Willem II players will start the fight at various stages of the Europa League.

“KNVB understands that anyone will suffer from any decision made, any option. It should be clear to everyone who is involved (in the championship. - RT ), starting with fans and players and ending with directors and referees, that the health of the population should always come first, ”the organization said in a statement.

An unprecedented decision was preceded by a government decree banning all competitions until September 1. Thus, the measures taken by KNVB were expected, but questions remained about the composition of the participants in the Dutch championship for the season 2020/21, as well as the distribution of European cup places.

There were various solutions to the problem. For example, it was proposed to maintain the composition of the elite division, but add to it two leading teams from the first league. Another scenario involved the traditional exchange of teams between divisions.

To make the most objective decision, KNVB held a consultation with clubs, coaches and football players. Most votes were cast for the latter, but the organization’s leadership took a different path, emphasizing that it was following UEFA recommendations.

Most of all, the verdict was outraged by the teams that fought for places in European competitions and lost such an opportunity. The fact is that trips to the Europa League were to be played among themselves by teams that took places from fourth to seventh. In addition, the winner of the Netherlands Cup got there, the Feyenoord and Utrecht reached the final.

One of the first to complain was expressed in AZ. Alkmaran Executive Director Robert Eienhoorn lamented the fact that the union did not take into account clubs' advice on allocation of places in European competitions.

“We developed scenarios for several weeks to avoid the situation in which we are now faced. Among other things, they offered to hold the playoffs to determine the champion and trips to European competitions. However, our proposals have not been answered, ”said Eienhoorn.

Of course, the number of those dissatisfied included those who were left without a promotion in the class "Cambyur" and "De Grafshap." They occupy the first and second places in the First Division, respectively. Mentor De Grafshap, Mike Snoy, noted that he initially did not like the idea of ​​voting.

“It's like asking the turkeys how they feel about Christmas,” Snoy said.

The head coach of Kambyur Henk de Jong was more harsh.

“It seems to be the greatest disgrace in the history of Dutch sports. I always try to see in people and their decisions only the best, but this is not worthy of sport. UEFA and clubs were on our side, our separation from the closest pursuer was 11 points, so I don’t understand what was the matter. UEFA was asked to make honest decisions, but you won’t call it that, ”the Goal portal quotes de Jong as saying.

The outrage of the specialist was shared by the Director-General of "Cambury" Ard de Graaf. He stressed that with the loss of a seat in the Eredivisi, the club will lose funds from the sale of broadcasts, as well as seasonal subscriptions.

However, the farthest went to Utrecht. They decided to appeal the decision of the federation through a court. The reason for dissatisfaction was not only the cancellation of the Netherlands Cup finals, but also the fact that the team had one match of the national championship left in reserve, and if it won, it could get ahead of Willem II in the fifth place.

“According to the club, the decision to remove a ticket to the Europa League from the cup is not based on sporting principles and cannot be justified in any way. This is the main award of another tournament, the biggest prize of the cup, which only two teams can claim. Therefore, according to the regulations, it cannot be excluded just like that, ”the Utrecht statement said.

It is reported that AZ, Cambury and De Grafshap may join the lawsuit.

There is an opposite point of view. Thus, Ajax was sympathetic to the decision not to give the team the title.

“Naturally, every player and the whole team wants to become champions. They want to show it on the field, and throughout the season we have been leaders. Therefore, it is a pity that the champion will not be announced, but, given the circumstances, this decision can be understood. At the moment, there are more important issues than football, ”Edwin van der Sarah, quoted Ajax CEO as saying.

KNVB was also supported in Willem II, and its fans have already celebrated their first European Cup entry in 15 years.

Wij gaan Europa in! # WillemII # Tilburgpic.twitter.com / np8pEwToAC

It is worth noting that the Netherlands remained without a champion for the first time since World War II.

In early April, it was announced that national tournaments would not be resumed until June 1. At the same time, it was recommended by UEFA to finish them after the stabilization of the epidemiological situation. However, then the Belgian football authorities decided to prematurely end the domestic championship and recognize Brugge as the winner. In response, UEFA threatened to leave the country without European cups for next season. In most European championships, discussions are still ongoing regarding the appropriateness of continuing the seasons after a pause.