Competition program 2022/’23 definitively established | KNVB

The Eredivisie season will start on August 5 with sc Heerenveen – Sparta Rotterdam. – Photo: KNVB Media

The professional football competition program for the 2022/’23 season is final. After the publication of the concept, a number of changes were made at the request of a few clubs and municipalities, mainly aimed at the starting times of the matches.

The Eredivisie season 2022/’23 starts on Friday, August 5 at 8 p.m. in the Abe Lenstra Stadium with sc Heerenveen – Sparta Rotterdam. The Kitchen Champion Division also starts on Friday, August 5 at 8 p.m. There are then seven games on the program, including Heracles Almelo against ADO Den Haag.

‘Appreciation for flexibility’

“As every year, we have tried to involve everyone as much as possible in the development of the program,” says professional football competition manager Jan Bluyssen. “We need the flexibility of all parties to solve this puzzle and we would like to express our appreciation for that. With everyone’s cooperation, we have come up with a challenging and beautiful program. Let’s hope for an exciting and exciting 2022/’23 season!”

European changes

Five Dutch clubs will play in a European context next season (Ajax, AZ, Feyenoord, PSV, FC Twente). Depending on their European performance, changes will still be made to better align the Eredivisie program with the programs of these clubs. By 31 August at the latest, the rounds until the winter break will be adjusted in date and time where necessary, if it is known which clubs have reached the group stage. This will happen in mid-November for rounds 21 to 32, when it is known which clubs will spend the winter in Europe.

Creation

Work on the new competition program begins in October each year. First, the international match days calendar (international and European football) is passed on by FIFA and UEFA. Then, in consultation with the government and clubs, the match days calendar is determined for the Eredivisie, Keuken Kampioen Division, Johan Cruijff Scale, TOTO KNVB Cup and the play-offs.

Finally, a draft competition program is established, taking into account numerous aspects. These are of course sporting aspects, but also wishes and bottlenecks from local authorities, clubs, supporters and ESPN. During the process, the program was consulted with the Supporters Collective Netherlands, the Eredivisie CV, the CED, the Central Players Council (CSR), the Central Trainers Council (CTR), ESPN and all clubs.