KNVB confirms league reduction and revised relegation format
The KNVB has officially confirmed that the Eurojackpot Women’s Eredivisie will return to a 10-team format from the 2026/27 season, finalising a restructuring plan that had sparked debate among clubs in recent months.
- For the current season, a one-off stricter relegation rule applies, allowing a maximum of three clubs to go down as part of the transition back to a 10-team top division. Following discussions with Eredivisie clubs, the KNVB announced that only two teams will be relegated this season to the First Division, ensuring the league will consist of ten teams next year.
- The KNVB stated that a 10-team top flight reflects the current development phase of professional women’s football in the Netherlands, emphasising that this structure is not considered a final destination but part of long-term growth planning.
- From 2026/27, the Eredivisie competition format will feature a triple round-robin system, with all clubs playing each other three times and no play-offs included.
- Promotion from the First Division will require the champion to be a first team and to meet Eredivisie licensing criteria, reinforcing professional standards at the top level.
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