Dutch top flight likely over after government extends ban

Dutch football federation (KNVB) has anunced that its intention to call an end to season, subject to discussions with UEFA, following government's decision to extend a ban on large garings until September due to coronavirus pandemic. " professional football committee intends to t continue playing 2019/20 competition. KNVB will consult UEFA, after which a decision will be taken," federation said in a statement on Tuesday. " KNVB has t yet definitively cancelled competitions because of financial difficulties in football industry due to coronavirus crisis." 

Dutch top flight likely over

Clubs and or stakeholders will meet Friday to discuss consequences of decision. re are eight rounds of matches left in Eredivisie, with defending champions Ajax ahead of AZ Alkmaar on goal difference. Dutch Cup final had been scheduled for April 19. According to KNVB, matches behind closed doors will t be possible as y are considered events which require a permit and police presence. "re will be matches before September 1," statement added.

Dutch top flight 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. 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." 

UEFA said any decisions would be anunced after its Executive Committee meets on Thursday. Before that it is due to meet with powerful European Club Association (ECA) and European Leagues grouping, which represents nearly a thousand clubs in 29 countries, on Wednesday. Belgium and Scotland also appear to be awaiting a green light from UEFA to call an end to ir seasons. ban on mass garings will also affect Dutch Formula One Grand Prix, due to return to calendar for first time since 1985, and MotoGP race at Assen scheduled for June 28.

Im credits: AFP