KNVB: number of stadium bans in Dutch professional football falls sharply

Stadium bans in Dutch professional football fell to 704 in 2025/26 from 887 the previous season, though three matches were abandoned due to fireworks incidents.

The KNVB reported a significant drop in stadium bans across the Eredivisie and lower divisions in the 2025/26 season, with 704 bans issued compared to 887 the year before. Three matches—Ajax v FC Groningen, SC Cambuur v Vitesse, and NAC Breda v SC Heerenveen—were permanently abandoned due to large-scale fireworks incidents. The KNVB attributes the decline partly to increased detection through advanced camera systems, which has deterred involvement in incidents. However, the federation acknowledges that broader societal issues contribute to stadium safety problems and is calling for national coordination against criminal groups and better legislation.