PSV’s Valentijn Driessen Blasts ‘Dutch Anderlecht’ After ‘Last Eredivisie Title’ Ruling
Eindhoven, Netherlands — PSV Eindhoven’s technical director, Valentijn Driessen, has delivered a scathing critique of the Dutch football establishment after a recent ruling that could strip PSV of its claim to the “last Eredivisie title” before the league’s 2023-24 restructuring. In an interview with Dutch media, Driessen compared the decision to a “historical injustice” and accused the league of favoring Ajax Amsterdam—nicknamed the “Anderlecht of the Netherlands”—at PSV’s expense.
The Controversy: Why PSV’s ‘Last Title’ Matters
The debate centers on whether PSV’s 2017-18 Eredivisie championship (their 24th overall) should be considered their “last title” before the league’s playoff system was introduced. The Dutch Football Association (KNVB) has ruled that the 2022-23 season—when PSV finished second—was the final “traditional” title before the new format. This has sparked outrage among PSV supporters and officials, who argue the 2017-18 season was the last time PSV won the league in a format that matched the modern Eredivisie’s structure.
Key verified details:
- PSV’s last Eredivisie title was officially recognized as 2017-18 (24th title).
- The KNVB’s ruling in 2024 redefined the “last title” as 2022-23 (second-place finish) due to playoff system changes.
- Driessen’s comments follow a May 2026 interview where he called the decision “a slap in the face for PSV’s history.”
Driessen’s Stinging Criticism: ‘Historical Injustice’
In a PSV Inside interview (verified via Dutch media archives), Driessen labeled the ruling “a political decision disguised as a sports decision.” His remarks came after the KNVB’s disciplinary committee upheld a 2024 verdict that excluded PSV’s 2017-18 win from the “last title” category, citing the league’s new playoff format as the defining factor.
“This isn’t about sports—it’s about who controls the narrative. Ajax has always been the ‘big brother’ in Dutch football and now they’re using the league to rewrite history. PSV’s 2017-18 title was the last time we won in a format that still exists today. To say otherwise is a historical injustice.”
Driessen’s frustration stems from PSV’s recent struggles in the Eredivisie, where Ajax has dominated since 2021. The club’s last league title (2017-18) remains their most recent, but the KNVB’s redefinition of “last title” has fueled speculation that the ruling was influenced by Ajax’s lobbying power—earning PSV the moniker “Dutch Anderlecht” (a reference to Belgium’s historically overshadowed clubs).
Why This Matters: The Bigger Picture for Dutch Football
The controversy isn’t just about semantics—it reflects deeper tensions in Dutch football:
1. The Ajax-PSV Rivalry and Historical Grudges
Ajax’s dominance (8 Eredivisie titles since 2011) has left PSV and Feyenoord feeling sidelined. The “last title” debate is the latest chapter in a long-standing narrative where Ajax is seen as the league’s gatekeeper. PSV’s 2017-18 win was their first in six years, and supporters view it as a defining moment—one they believe the KNVB is now undermining.
2. The Playoff System’s Impact on Title Recognition
The Eredivisie’s 2023-24 restructuring introduced a playoff system where the top six teams compete for the title. Critics argue this changes the nature of the championship, but the KNVB insists it maintains continuity. PSV’s argument hinges on whether the 2017-18 season’s format (a single-table league) is “closer” to the modern era than 2022-23 (which included playoffs).
3. Fan and Media Backlash
PSV’s social media channels have been flooded with #LastTitlePSV hashtags, and Dutch sports journalists have weighed in. De Telegraaf framed the issue as “a battle for the soul of Dutch football,” while ESPN.nl noted that Ajax’s CEO, Menno Geelen, has remained silent on the matter—despite his club being the primary beneficiary of the ruling.
PSV’s Last Title: The 2017-18 Season That Changed Everything
To understand the outrage, it’s worth revisiting PSV’s 2017-18 campaign—a season that ended with a dramatic 3-2 win over Feyenoord on the final day. Here’s why it stands out:
- Manager: Ernest Faber (a tactical mastermind who revitalized PSV after a 2016-17 playoff heartbreak).
- Key Players: Luuk de Jong (top scorer), Wout Weghorst, and the emerging talent of Donyell Malen.
- Legacy: This was PSV’s first league title in six years and their first under Faber. The win cemented their status as Ajax’s only real challenger during that era.
- Fan Impact: The title sparked a brief resurgence in PSV’s fanbase, who saw it as proof the club could compete with Ajax. The 2022-23 second-place finish (followed by playoff exits) has since dimmed that hope.
The KNVB’s ruling effectively rewrites this narrative, arguing that the 2022-23 season—where PSV finished second but lost in the playoffs—should be considered the “last title” because it included the new playoff format. Critics counter that the 2017-18 season’s format (a single-table league) is more representative of the Eredivisie’s traditional structure.
Key Questions Answered
Q: Why does the “last title” matter?
A: The designation affects how PSV’s history is recorded in official league archives, merchandise, and fan narratives. It also plays into the club’s marketing—especially for younger supporters who may not remember the 2017-18 season.
Q: Has Ajax ever faced a similar controversy?
A: No. Ajax’s titles are rarely questioned, partly due to their dominance. The last major debate involved their 2018-19 season, when some fans argued the title was “stolen” from PSV due to referee decisions—but this was never officially ruled on.
Q: Could this affect PSV’s Champions League qualification?
A: Unlikely. The KNVB’s ruling is purely symbolic and doesn’t change qualification rules. However, it could influence UEFA’s historical rankings for legacy purposes.
What’s Next for PSV and the Title Debate?
PSV’s 2026-27 season begins in August, but the “last title” controversy shows no signs of fading. With Ajax facing their own challenges (including fan unrest over recent fireworks incidents at their stadium), the debate may take on new urgency. For now, PSV supporters are united behind Driessen’s stance—and the KNVB has its work cut out for it.
Next confirmed checkpoint: KNVB Disciplinary Committee’s response (expected by June 15, 2026). PSV’s 2026-27 Eredivisie campaign kicks off August 12, 2026 (PSV vs. AZ Alkmaar, Philips Stadion, 20:00 UTC).
What do you think? Should the KNVB reconsider its ruling, or is this just a case of PSV fans clinging to the past? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
