KNVB President Frank Paauw successfully negotiated to keep the Dutch football association in Zeist after initial plans for expansion were blocked by nature protection laws. Paauw engaged with local officials and hired legal experts to reinterpret regulations, revealing more flexibility than previously assumed. The KNVB scaled back its plans from seven new fields to three, located on existing built-up areas rather than forests. This reduction, along with public engagement and clarifying misconceptions about destroying a local animal shelter, reduced community resistance. Paauw emphasized that the association felt undervalued by the municipality initially but achieved a breakthrough through revised calculations and political dialogue, ensuring the KNVB remains in Zeist.
The Dutch national team faces Germany in the Nations League, with coach Xavi keeping his lineup secret until kickoff. The AD Football Podcast discusses potential tactical choices, Virgil van Dijk's comments, and Erik ten Hag's views on youth teams. Additional headlines cover Ronald Koeman Jr.'s emotional tribute to his late mother, Spain's 2026 World Cup results, Luciano Valente's impact on Feyenoord, André Onana's cupping therapy, and transfer deadline day analysis.
Dutch midfielder Wieke Kaptein scored the only goal in the 11th minute with a powerful shot from 20 meters, securing Chelsea's first Champions League win of the season against Austria Wien. The 21-year-old has been a consistent starter in her third season at the club. Meanwhile, fellow Dutch international Esmee Brugts played for Barcelona, who defeated Paris FC 5-2 after an early deficit, with goals from Kerolin, Clara Serrajordi, two from Ewa Pajor, and Caroline Graham. Renee van Asten missed the match due to a abdominal muscle injury, leaving her fitness for the upcoming World Cup qualification matches against Hungary on October 9 and 13 uncertain.
IJsselmeervogels was defeated 3-0 by Gemert in the second preliminary round of the KNVB Cup, ending their campaign. Gemert advances to the main tournament, while amateur clubs GVVV and Eemdijk from Utrecht province also qualified. The draw for the main tournament takes place on Friday, with matches scheduled for late October.
Bolivian referee Carlos Arteaga has been suspended for the remainder of the year by the Bolivian Football Federation (FSF) following a controversial penalty awarded in stoppage time during a match between 10 de Noviembre Wilstermann Cooperativas and Club Atlético Independiente Cochabamba. The FSF deemed the penalty non-existent and influential on the result, leading goalkeeper Gustavo Tesonotte to deliberately lean against the post rather than attempt a save. Tesonotte stated the decision was collective, citing the referee's prior instruction not to complain, and expressed surprise that opponent Junior Adiri scored despite discussions about fair play.
The Ajax women’s football team secured their place in the main draw of the Europa Cup after defeating Kazakhstani side WFC Aktobe 8-0 at De Toekomst on Wednesday night. This decisive victory in the second and final qualifying round ensures the Amsterdam club advances to the tournament.
Feyenoord Vrouwen defeated Vålerenga 4-1 in their home leg of the European competition, securing a strong advantage for the return match in Norway. Despite conceding an early goal, the team rallied to score four times through DellaPeruta, Van de Westeringh, and Stoit. Trainer Marc Pieters and player Kirsten van der Westeringh emphasized the need to approach the upcoming away game with a fresh mindset rather than resting on their lead.
The Ajax women's football team has virtually secured a place in the main tournament of the Europa Cup following a decisive victory against WFC Aktobe from Kazakhstan. Additionally, PSV and Feyenoord also secured wins in their respective matches.
Ajax, PSV, and Feyenoord women’s football teams secured victories in the first leg of their Europa Cup second qualifying round matches on home soil. Ajax defeated WFC Aktobe 8-0 with goals from Sherida Spitse, Katja Snoeijs, Ella Touon, Daniëlle Noordermeer, and Jade van Hensbergen. PSV edged past Fortuna Hjørring 1-0 thanks to a goal by Liz Rijsbergen, while Feyenoond overturned an early deficit to beat Valerenga 4-1 through scores from Tori DellaPeruta, an Italian player, Kirsten van de Westeringh, and Fleur Stoit. The return legs are scheduled for Wednesday, September 30, with winners advancing directly to the round of eight.
Ajax Vrouwen secured their place in the Europa Cup by defeating WFC Aktobe 8-0 in the second qualifying round, with Ella Touon scoring a hat-trick. Trainer Anouk Bruil’s team had previously lost to Real Madrid in the Champions League qualifiers. Feyenoord defeated Valerenga 4-1 thanks to goals from Victoria DellaPeruta, Kirsten van de Westeringh, and Fleur Stoit. PSV won 1-0 against Fortuna Hjørring with a goal from Liz Rijsbergen. The return matches for all three clubs are scheduled for next Wednesday.
Feyenoord women advanced significantly toward their first European main tournament by defeating Norway's Vålerenga 4-1 at home. PSV beat Fortuna Hjørring 1-0, while Ajax secured a dominant 8-0 victory over Aktobe, bringing all three Dutch clubs closer to qualifying for the Europa Cup main stage.
FC Twente technical director Erik ten Hag argues that the Dutch football landscape requires significant reform, criticizing the exclusion of reserve teams like Jong Feyenoord from the Keuken Kampioen Divisie as detrimental to national development. He highlights that nearly all current Oranje players have gained experience in these second divisions, whereas Dutch clubs face complex rules preventing promotion for their youth teams. Ten Hag labels Feyenoord's decision to withdraw from the league fifteen years ago a strategic blunder that neglects a rich talent region around Rotterdam, urging policymakers to address these structural issues despite resistance from established clubs concerned about competitive balance.
Jürgen Klopp brought humor back to the German national team during a press conference at the Johan Cruijff Arena ahead of their Nations League match against the Netherlands. The 59-year-old coach introduced strict disciplinary rules since his mid-July appointment, including punctuality mandates, phone bans in locker rooms, restrictions on hotel hairdressers, and limited family contact during tournaments. While tennis legend Boris Becker praised Klopp’s ability to generate positive energy, former Bayern Munich honorary president Uli Hoeness expressed skepticism, calling him more of a cult figure than a savior. Klopp selected a 44-player squad with eleven new names and acknowledged the challenge posed by opponents who also possess high-quality players.
In the first round of the Women's Champions League, defending champions FC Barcelona defeated Paris FC 5-2 after an early setback, while OL Lyonnais won 8-0 against Servette. Dutch international Esmee Brugts played for Barcelona, which saw goals from Kerolin, Clara Serrajordi, Caroline Graham Hansen, and Ewa Pajor. Goalkeeper Jacintha Weimar conceded eight goals for Servette against Lyonnais, where Marie-Antoinette Katoto scored multiple times. Chelsea secured a 1-0 victory over Austria Wien thanks to a goal by Dutch player Wieke Kaptein. OH Leuven and AS Roma failed to score in their respective matches, with AS Roma missing a late penalty kick against OH Leuven's goalkeeper Kim Everaerts.
German national team coach Jürgen Klopp commented on Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk’s recent expression of dissatisfaction regarding his treatment in the Netherlands media. Klopp, who worked with Van Dijk at Liverpool, suggested that the player likely did not initiate the topic himself but was prompted during an interview, doubting that his comments will alter journalistic behavior.
Jürgen Klopp anticipates his debut as German national team coach against Oranje at the Johan Cruijff ArenA, joking that he knows more Dutch players than new opponent coach Xavi Hernández. Goalkeeper Marc ter Stegen expressed happiness at becoming Germany's first choice following Manuel Neuer's retirement, while both coaches prepare for Thursday's match preceded by a minute of silence for Bartina Koeman.
Following disappointing World Cup performances, the national teams of the Netherlands and Germany are starting anew with new coaches Xavi Hernandez and Jürgen Klopp. Ajax goalkeeper Marc ter Stegen describes his first encounter with Klopp as meeting someone who is a bundle of energy, noting that the German coach approaches his role differently than his Dutch counterpart.
Jürgen Klopp stated that the Netherlands is his ideal opponent for his debut as head coach of the German national team during a press conference ahead of their Nations League match. Klopp, who succeeded Julian Nagelsmann, noted that facing Xavi Hernández, also making his debut as Dutch coach, presents a strong challenge. He acknowledged knowing several Dutch players personally from his time at Liverpool, including Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch, and Cody Gakpo, though he was unsure if this familiarity provided an advantage. After the match against the Netherlands, Germany will play two games against Greece and one against Serbia.
Jürgen Klopp appeared relaxed during a press conference ahead of the Netherlands versus Germany match, addressing criticism directed at Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk. Klopp noted that players face heavy scrutiny after elimination, with captains receiving even more pressure. He suggested that the Dutch media is naturally critical and implied that Van Dijk often bears the brunt due to his high performance standards. The new coach also mentioned looking forward to reuniting with former Liverpool players Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch.
General practitioners Stefan van Rooijen and Alja Sluiter from Asten are suing the Dutch government for insufficient action against youth vaping and unhealthy diets, citing a rise in obesity and diabetes among children as young as eight. They plan to present ten proposals, including school cooking classes, to Health Minister Sophie Hermans. Meanwhile, Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk criticized media coverage after the World Cup, stating he felt undervalued domestically compared to abroad. He confirmed his intention to continue playing until at least the 2028 European Championship following a conversation with coach Xavi Hernández. Other stories include a severe shortage of parking spots for truck drivers in Brabant and Limburg, entertainer Johan Vlemmix working on a new version of his hit song 'Hyves is Hyves,' and journalist Eva de Schipper’s podcast investigating child abuse by swim instructor Benno L.
