The average length of stadium bans stood at 22 months, often combined with a financial penalty. Last season, that average was 24 months. Since the duration of a ban depends on the severity of the offence (see stadium ban guideline), this further underlines that the number of serious cases decreased in 2024/25.
“The likelihood of offenders being caught has increased significantly in recent years. However, with fewer people involved in incidents overall, it’s only natural that fewer bans were issued. Clubs are responsible for safety within their stadiums and have invested millions of euros in their security operations: from training and crowd control to the use of new technologies. They certainly deserve credit for that,” said Marianne van Leeuwen, KNVB’s Director of Professional Football.
The number of disciplinary (pre-)investigations launched by the independent professional football prosecutor rose slightly from 150 to 161. However, most of these cases were less serious in nature. Meanwhile, the percentage of dismissals increased from 40% to 54%, meaning that the prosecutor determined that the clubs involved could not be held responsible — whether in prevention (before), intervention (during), or identification (after) an incident.
All figures are published in the Safety Monitor, released today by the KNVB, covering the 2024/25 season.
Marianne van Leeuwen added: “Although there were fewer large-scale incidents last season, even a single one is still too many. Such behaviour spoils what should be an enjoyable football afternoon or evening, and for those working in the stadium, the impact can be significant. That’s why we continue — together with the clubs, leagues, supporters and our partners in local government, politics, police and the public prosecutor’s office — to strive for safe and welcoming stadiums where everyone can enjoy football.”
*Eredivisie, Keuken Kampioen Divisie, Women’s Eredivisie, KNVB Cup, promotion/relegation play-offs, play-offs European competitions and the Johan Cruyff Shield.
