Security reforms vs outdated rules: KNVB and industry push for change

The Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) and the Dutch security industry have welcomed a new parliamentary motion aimed at tightening the rules governing event security, including football matches. The motion, adopted by the Tweede Kamer last night, seeks to modernise outdated regulations that currently force security staff to be permanently employed by either the security firm or the host club.

The proposal was introduced by the CDA, VVD, D'66 and the 50+ party group, urging the government to promptly forward an amendment to the Private Security Organisations Act to the Chamber. It also calls for the establishment of a system that would allow clubs to exchange stewards with one another, easing staffing constraints at large events.

Officials note that the practice of ‘inlenen’ – leasing security personnel and football stewards – has been problematic for years, creating formal obstacles for companies needing to scale staff quickly. Such scaling is essential during events, yet the current rules make rapid up‑ or down‑scaling difficult.

The outdated framework generates unnecessary regulatory burden, creates ambiguities for both public authorities and the security sector, and can lead to legal disputes. Earlier, in 2024, the Chamber had already passed a motion to embed these changes in new legislation, but the responsible ministry has been slow to act.

The latest motion therefore reinforces the call for swift implementation of the 2024 initiative. Both the KNVB and the Dutch security industry warn that without rapid reform they may no longer be able to guarantee the safe organisation of matches over the longer term.

The parties involved stress that the safety of football fixtures depends on clear, flexible staffing rules that reflect modern event‑management needs. They hope that parliamentary pressure will compel the ministry to accelerate the legislative process before further disruptions arise.