UEFA has supported the KNVB’s decision to award the direct Europa League spot based on Eredivisie ranking. It would usually go to the KNVB cup winner.

With the season unable to finish and the KNVB Cup final cancelled, the KNVB awarded the direct Europa League spot to the highest ranking team, Feyenoord, which means fifth placed Willem II then gets a slot in the qualifying rounds.

This decision angered Utrecht, who believe they are entitled to the spot due to them being in the KNVB Cup final. They were also three points behind Willem II, with a game in hand and a better goal difference.

However, UEFA have supported the decision by the KNVB to base it on the final table. The KNV confirmed this with a statement, “UEFA prescribes that European tickets must be distributed by the national football associations on the basis of sporting performances and that in the event of an unplayed cup tournament, this must be based on the performance in the competition.”

This means that any legal action taken by Utrecht is likely to fail.




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