The Dutch Eredivisie season has been ended with immediate effect, meaning league leaders Ajax have been denied the title.
There will also be no promotion to the Dutch Eredivisie or relegation from the top flight, following an agreement reached over a video conference call between the Dutch FA (KNVB) and clubs.
Ajax were top of the Eredivisie table, ahead of AZ Alkmaar on goal difference, with nine rounds of matches to play when the season was suspended.
The Eredivisie have put Ajax forward to go directly to the play-offs of the Champions League, with AZ playing in the second qualifying round. Third-placed Feyenoord go straight into the group stage of the Europa League with PSV and Willem II qualifying for the second qualifying round for the competition.
But AZ have released a statement saying they are considering their options after indicating displeasure with the judgement, particularly in relation to the awarding of European places.
“We have been trying for weeks in the background to elaborate multiple scenarios to prevent the situation we are now in,” the statement read.
“AZ asked Friday afternoon, just as with promotion/relegation, to first investigate support for the exact method of implementation – but the KNVB immediately rejected this.
“The KNVB asked that support Friday afternoon when it comes to the decision for promotion/relegation. We are considering this situation.”
The settlement of places for European competition next season is subject to ratification by UEFA.
SOURCE: BR
