The Dutch top-flight clubs have come to an agreement on some changes to the Eredivisie.

A revolution surrounding the Eredivisie has been under discussion for around two years with two external consultancies coming up with new plans for the Dutch top flight. These included a new competition format, consisting of 16 clubs and end of season playoffs. There has also been discussions over the share of revenue and the banning of artificial pitches.

On Thursday, the Eredivisie clubs came to an initial agreement on some of the changes proposed, but there will be no chance to the competition format. Some of the club’s management were unwilling to agree on the cutting of two teams from the league.

Ajax director Edwin van der Sar is quoted by VI saying, ‘We have had different models calculated. A different competition set-up would be appealing to a lot of fans, but we did not get there.’

However, agreements were made on the distribution of money from FOX. Currently, it is based on league performance for the last ten years. The top team receives 5.3 times more than the side that is in the last place. It has now been decided to distribute five percent of the FOX pot proportionally. The top team will now only earn 4.8 times more than the bottom one.

Club’s participating in European action will now be given more rest between Champions League or Europa League matches. They will also enter the KNVB Cup a round later than usual.

Artificial pitches will not be banned, but clubs that play on grass or a hybrid will receive a share of up to 3.5 million euros. Eredivisie director Jacco Swart (pictured) said, “There is no obligation to stop using artificial grass. But we see this as an encouragement. It is a more than serious incentive to switch. ‘

Youth training is now compulsory for Eredivisie clubs and the fee for poaching youngsters from each other has risen significantly.

The new measures start from the 2020/21 season




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