Thanks to strong cooperation between the clubs, the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB), Eredivisie, First Division (Keuken Kampioen Divisie), supporters, municipalities, police, the Public Prosecution Service, and ministries, the number of incidents is declining. As part of this joint approach, four areas will receive extra focus in the 2025/’26 season:
- Technology for safe and welcoming stadiums
New technologies offer additional opportunities for football as well. Several clubs are already using personal digital access, a modern version of the club card. Stadium entry becomes smoother, and because identification is only required once, the club knows exactly who is in the stadium. In addition, there is an ongoing pilot project with technology to identify those responsible for discriminatory chanting, as well as a pilot aimed at making it easier to keep out individuals with stadium bans (digital reporting obligations).
- Top 100 approach: targeting instigators
We support the idea from police and government to explore whether greater focus can be placed on the 100 most serious troublemakers. The instigators who mobilise other rioters and undermine both football and the authority of the relevant institutions. It is therefore important to carefully analyse this group, apply effective sanctions, and make clubs and administrators resilient to their influence. By drawing a clear line together and investing in this targeted approach, we greatly benefit millions of genuine football fans and prevent the police from having to scale up massively later on.
- Pyrotechnics: clarity and consistent action
Combating pyrotechnics requires tightening measures. Pyrotechnics are prohibited and, especially in combination with large crowds, unsafe. Many supporters also find it disturbing or even experience breathing problems. In cases of heavy pyrotechnics, players and referees temporarily suspend play. Anyone who, despite all preventive measures, still lights pyrotechnics in a stadium will receive a nationwide stadium ban.
- Supporters: investing in the relationship
Clubs are investing in their relationship with supporters. All clubs employ a Supporters Liaison Officer (SLO), who from the 2025/’26 season will have a minimum number of contract hours (at least 32 hours per week in the Eredivisie and at least 24 hours per week in the First Division). The SLO serves as a bridge between supporters, the club, and other stakeholders, and helps prevent incidents through communication and dialogue. A dedicated training programme is available for this role, along with knowledge sharing with colleagues at home and abroad.
In the coming weeks, professional football representatives will explain the above in individual discussions with the mayors of football cities.
