Dutch FA agrees to new play-off system

Jonathan Roorda - 24 April 2008 19:28

PSV avoided the play-offs in the last years by winning the championship each time, while Ajax won the play-offs twice, only to be eliminated in the third preliminary round of the Champions League

AMSTERDAM, Apr 24 (SW) - The Dutch FA have agreed to a new play-off system, in which the best four teams of the season won't have to battle for a spot in the Champions League or UEFA Cup.

Until now, the numbers two to five met for one Champions League berth, while the remaining three advanced to the UEFA Cup.

Numbers six to nine fought for another three spots in Europe's second continental tournament.

But today, the KNVB announced to agree to a plan that was recently proposed by the clubs.

Starting next season, the eventual champions will qualify for the Champions League, as is the case now.

The runner-up will qualify for the third preliminary round of the Champions League, and numbers three and four move on to the UEFA Cup.

Numbers five to eight appear in best-of-three play-offs for the remaining two UEFA Cup spots.

Chairman of Professional Football at the KNVB, Henk Kesler, wants to give the clubs a chance to make their plan work. This despite showing criticism when the teams first revealed their idea.