The Eredivisie CV issued a statement on Friday in response to the cabinet’s decision on the exclusion of supporters from the Eredivisie duels. Through director Jan de Jong, the organization says that football matches are ‘extremely suitable’ as a test event and that it is hoped that spectators will again be present in the stadiums from round 32.
On the website of the Eredivisie CV, De Jong shows that he does not agree with the decision of the cabinet not to allow an audience in the stadiums in the 31st round of play. “In the Netherlands there are 400,000 rapid tests available per day. To be able to use them effectively, you need events that try out, test and perfect the system. Professional football is extremely suitable for this. This has been shown in the last round in the Eredivisie. We therefore argue in favor of continuing that. This week doesn’t work anymore, but it should work next week. ”
“The clubs are just getting started and it would be a shame if that would come to a halt”, De Jong continues the statement. “Not just for football, because if it works well there, people can also go to the theater, museums, festivals and many more beautiful things. With that, football is again part of the solution, ”said the advocate, who concludes his message with a critical note. “And if we have all spent 920 million euros on rapid tests, let’s make use of it. Right now, before everyone is vaccinated. Otherwise it is a waste of money. “
On Thursday, the KNVB confirmed by order of the cabinet in an email to the Eredivisie clubs that no supporters are welcome at the games in the Eredivisie this weekend. “This decision is very disappointing,” said the KNVB earlier in a response on its website. “Everything went well last weekend, just like in August and September, but because the amendment to the law is taking longer for reasons beyond our control, there is no follow-up or continuity,” was the message.
Edwin van der Sar was also displeased with the cabinet’s decision not to allow spectators access to the stadiums. “We find it incomprehensible”, the general manager responded on the Ajax website. “Last week there were almost 7500 supporters in the ArenA at Ajax – AZ, everyone had been tested. And it all went well. The enthusiasm was enormous and palpable in the stadium. Emmen is coming here on Sunday. It tasted like more but it is much less. In fact, this feels as if we are back to square one ”, says Van der Sar.