Dutch football’s governing body, KNVB has decided to officially abandoned the Eredivisie this season, with no title winner and no teams relegated.
In a statement, KNVB said it has become impossible to complete the 2019-20 season after Dutch government banned major sporting events until 1 September, as more than 4,000 people have died so far from the COVID-19 in the Netherlands.
“The KNVB is aware that whatever decision had to be made, every option would hurt somewhere.
“It will be crystal clear to everyone involved, from supporters and players to directors and referees, that public health always comes first.
“Nevertheless, the professional football board is aware that today’s decisions will cause great disappointment in football for some.”
It would be the first time the Eredivisie ended a season without a champion since it was formed in 1956.
Ajax led the Eredivisie table on goal difference over AZ Alkmaar with nine matches left.
However, Ajax general manager Edwin van der Sar said the decision not to award the league title was understandable.
“As players and coaches, you want to win the title on the field.
“We have been top of the table throughout the season, so it is a pity we haven’t been able to become champion but given the situation we are in, it is understandable.
“There are a lot more important matters than football right now,” he told the club’s television channel.
All is not lost for Ajax as they will compete in the Champions League next season, while AZ Alkmaar had to go through a preliminary round.
Third-place Feyenoord will qualify for the Europa League group stages, with fourth-placed PSV and fifth-placed Willem II entering the qualifying stages of the competition, subject to UEFA’s approval.
The Eredivisie Women has also been cancelled with no title winner.
KNVB also said it has consulted with the parties involved and asked them to vote for “no relegation and no promotion” or “relegation and promotion” – but the result returned “no clear preference”, forcing KNVB to make the final decision.
“Because many rounds still have to be played in the competitions, we believe that we cannot apply promotion or relegation and that is decided.”
The decision was condemned by second division league leaders Cambuur Leeuwarden, whom are 11 points clear at the top of the table.
“It is the biggest scandal in the history of Dutch sport,” the club’s coach Henk de Jong said.