2019-2020 season officially ended
The KNVB announced the total abandonment of the 2019-2020 season on Friday. The decision came after talks with UEFA earlier in the week and a meeting on Friday with the Eredivisie, the First Division and the clubs. The announcement had been expected after the measures to slow the spread of coronavirus were prolonged by the national authorities, including a ban on all events normally requiring a permit and on any professional football.
The consequences of the scenario were also discussed at the meeting on Friday. The main issues affecting Feyenoord was the way European qualification would be decided and what would happen with the cup final.
Europa League group stage
The KNVB confirmed that Feyenoord, who were third in the table when the Eredivisie was halted in mid-March, would be deemed to have qualified for the group stage of the Europa League. UEFA will meet at the end of May to decide whether to ratify this. In spite of the problems brought on by the coronavirus pandemic and the fact that the season will not be completed, direct Europa League qualification would be fine achievement, showing how the team has grown under Dick Advocaat since the end of October 2019.
Cup final
The Europa League decision also helps lessen the pain of missing out on a chance to win the KNVB Cup. The abandonment of the season means that Feyenoord’s final tie against FC Utrecht – originally scheduled for Sunday 19 April – will also not be played. The club greatly regrets this, especially for the players and the fans. Winning a trophy at De Kuip in front of their loyal supporters would have be a fitting reward for the team, given the excellent form shown in the months preceding the sudden shutdown. That said, the club fully understands the decision, which has been taken in the interests of the health of the whole nation.
Season cards and match tickets
A few days ago Feyenoord announced that it would provide clarity at the earliest opportunity to season card holders and holders of tickets for matches that have not been able to go ahead. The club expected to be able to do so in the course of May.