KNVB urges Volendam mayor to allow Groningen and Willem II fans
The KNVB has called on the mayor of Edam-Volendam to permit supporters of FC Groningen and Willem II to attend the upcoming play-off matches in Volendam. The two clubs announced that their fans will be barred from the city this week. Both clubs have engaged the professional football competition board and are weighing steps to challenge the municipal decision.
FC Groningen and Willem II are set to play their play-off fixtures in Volendam, a neutral venue for the competition. The municipality of Edam-Volendam has decided to exclude the supporters from entering the city for the matches. The decision affects the clubs' ability to have a full fan presence during a crucial phase of the season.
The professional football competition board, which oversees the league structure, has been approached by the two clubs for assistance. The board’s involvement signals the clubs’ intent to seek a formal review of the municipal ruling. The clubs have not disclosed any specific legal actions yet.
The KNVB’s appeal to the mayor emphasizes the importance of fan participation in the play-offs, highlighting the role of supporters in the atmosphere and revenue generation. The association’s request adds pressure on local authorities to reconsider the ban before the matches commence. No deadline for a response has been announced.
The municipality of Edam-Volendam has not publicly explained the rationale behind the exclusion of the fans. Local officials are expected to meet with representatives from the clubs and the competition board in the coming days. The outcome will determine whether supporters can travel to Volendam for the fixtures.
If the clubs succeed in overturning the decision, FC Groningen and Willem II supporters could attend the play-off games as originally planned. A failure to reverse the ban would leave the clubs to play without their traveling fans, potentially impacting matchday atmosphere. Both clubs remain committed to defending the interests of their supporters.