Eredivisie matches FC Twente and Ajax rescheduled to September, play-offs revert to old format
The Eredivisie fixtures for FC Twente and Ajax in the third matchday have been moved from August to September, allowing both clubs to prepare optimally for their European commitments. In addition, the promotion/relegation play-off format is reverting to its previous setup: next season, the Eredivisie's 16th-placed side will enter at the semi-final stage rather than the final.
European commitments force reshuffle of Eredivisie schedule
The KNVB has decided to reschedule the third-round fixtures involving FC Twente and Ajax in the upcoming Eredivisie season. Both matches, originally planned for the weekend of 22 and 23 August, have been moved to September. The reason is that this weekend coincides with European play-off matches in which FC Twente and Ajax are involved. FC Twente are competing in the Europa League qualifying rounds, while Ajax are active in the Conference League qualifying rounds. Both clubs made use of the option offered by the KNVB to submit preferences regarding matchdays and kick-off times around European fixtures.
FC Twente host Telstar, Ajax face Willem II
In practical terms, the reshuffle means FC Twente will host Telstar at home on 9 September. Ajax will play Willem II at home in Amsterdam on 15 September. The match between NEC and Excelsior, currently still pencilled in for 22 August, may also be postponed, depending on whether NEC manages to progress through the third qualifying round of the Champions League. The full league schedule will be finalised this coming Monday. The first-round programme for the 2026/27 season had already been announced yesterday.
16th-placed side loses advantage in play-offs
Alongside the scheduling changes, the draft programme for the Eerste Divisie has also been presented. A notable change is that the promotion/relegation play-off format is being rolled back to its earlier setup. Last season, FC Volendam, as the Eredivisie's 16th-placed side, did not enter the play-offs until the final. Next season that advantage disappears: the Eredivisie's bottom club will enter at the semi-final stage, as was previously the case.
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Source: Via NOS (GNews)
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