The Covid-19 pandemic has again taken its toll on European soccer competition. After the Belgian League, this time the Dutch League, the Eredivisie officially stopped the competition. Unlike the Belgian League which determines their championship, Club Brugge, the Dutch League decided there was no champion and no promotion-relegation. Thus the Eredivisie season in the Netherlands ended without a champion, this also means league leaders, Ajax Amsterdam have been denied titles.
The result was an official decision of the Dutch Football Federation (KNVB) following an agreement reached through a video conference meeting with all club members. It was also decided that there was no promotion to the Eredivisie or relegation from the top flight.
Currently Ajax is at the top of the Eredivisie standings. They have the same points as AZ Alkmaar only on goal difference. Actually there are still nine rounds of matches to be played when the season is suspended due to a coronavirus pandemic.
Seeing the results of this Ajax CEO, Edwin van der Sar only resigned to agreeing on what had been decided. “As a player and as a club you certainly want to be a champion. You want to show it on the field and we are at the top all year long. now than soccer. ” Thus said Edwin.
Edwin felt a sense of disappointment with the results of this decision. But what can make the situation and conditions in Europe due to the health crisis have changed everything including the stalled competition agenda.
Another decision from the KNVB states that representatives of the Eredivisie for European level competition are determined based on the final standings before the League is canceled. As a top ranking, Ajax qualifies directly for the Champions League play-offs. While AZ Alkmaar played in the qualifying round. Feyenoord, who finished third in the last standings, immediately qualified for the Europa League group stage with PSV and Willem II qualified for the qualifying round.
After this as soon as possible the Dutch Football Federation must officially notify UEFA about the club they are nominating for European competition next season accompanied by an explanation of the reasons behind the appointment. However UEFA still has the final decision on the fate of every club participating in the competition in both the Champions League and the European League.
For domestic competitions which are terminated prematurely such as the Dutch League, UEFA has the right to refuse or evaluate any club proposed by the country association. This is done to avoid where the clubs are chosen based on procedures that are not objective, transparent and non-discriminatory. Moreover, the selected club cannot be considered eligible because of sports achievements. Likewise with regard to public perception of the club’s qualifications.
In connection with this AZ Alkmaar showed their displeasure with the KNVB decision related to the placement of places in Europe. They still hope their club has the same chance as Ajax qualifying for the Champions League play-offs. The decision was official that the Eredivisie be stopped without champions, without degradation and promotion. Whereas the decision of which club has the right to compete in European competition is still awaiting the evaluation results from UEFA.
