KNVB suspends competitions in the highest amateur leagues after the weekend | Football

sport">The shutdown concerns all teams (both seniors and youth from 13 years) that come out in the so-called A category (performance). For the more recreational teams (B category), the competition will continue until the winter break. Even the youngest footballers (up to and including 12 years old) can continue to play competitively.

sport">There will be no regular competition program for youth and seniors in the A category next weekend. Make-up matches are scheduled on a voluntary basis in order to correct the number of matches played per team. Those planned duels can therefore still continue.

sport">The KNVB makes the distinction after having obtained advice from the Football Medical Center. “In the A category, the intensity in competitions is high and the training serves as a tactical but also physical preparation. Not training with this group would be very illogical and irresponsible for a longer period of time,” the football association substantiates the decision taken. “In recreational football, the intensity of matches is considerably lower. Training is less frequent and less intense. If you not only cancel the training sessions for this category, but also the competitions, you run the risk of lack of exercise.”

sport">It is allowed for the teams from the A-category to play or train against each other, between 5 a.m. and 5 p.m.

sport">In the B category, the rounds of 11 and 12 December and 18 and 19 December will therefore also continue after this weekend. 85 percent of amateur football players play in the B category, the KNVB reports.

sport">The winter break will start for everyone after December 19. Depending on the developments surrounding the coronavirus, the resumption of competitions is scheduled for mid-January.

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