SC Cambuur were top of the table with under ten games to go
Translated by Thomas Ansell
A judge in Utrecht has agreed with the decision of the Dutch Football Association (KNVB) not to promote the top two teams in the first division (Eerste Divisie) of Dutch football- SC Cambuur from Leeuwarden and De Graafschap from Doetinchem in Gelderland. Both clubs had hoped that a legal challenge would change their prospects for the coming season, but the judge has ruled that the KNVB followed all proper procedures in cancelling the football season with neither promotion nor relegation. As reported by the Omrop Fryslân.
The short hearing was requested by the two clubs to challenge the original decision, since both stood several points clear of third-placed FC Volendam (North-Holland). According to the judge, Hans Zuurmond, the KNVB acted properly: “the KNVB has, with their backs against the wall, taken a decision. They have to take all clubs into account, and there are always clubs that will have issues with the decision. It’s incredibly sour for both Cambuur and De Graafschap, but that is an inadequate reason to change their decision.”
A special consultation was held with all professional clubs in the Netherlands, and it seemed like there was support for both clubs promotion. However, the KNVB must remain neutral in these decisions and since there was no collective agreement there could not be any action. So, a decision was taken not to promote or relegate any club this season.
The decision has put both SC Cambuur and De Graafschap in a precarious financial position. Both clubs could now ask to push the case to a higher court. The two clubs could also try to hold an ‘extraordinary session’ with all clubs registered with the KNVB, which would mean that every professional club could have their say.
Image via Wikimedia and Flickr user StefanOost. License here.
