KNVB reports decline in Dutch football stadium bans

The KNVB reported a decrease in stadium bans within Dutch professional football during the most recent season. The number of national stadium bans fell from 887 in the 2024/2025 season to 704 in the 2025/2026 season, according to the association's Safety Monitor.

The KNVB attributes this decline to a higher probability of detection, facilitated by advanced camera systems, suggesting fewer individuals are involved in incidents. The most frequent reasons for bans included throwing objects or liquids (100 cases), public violence (62), concealing perpetrators (61), and the use of fireworks (54). The average duration of these bans was 24 months.

Despite the overall decline, three matches were permanently halted due to large-scale fireworks incidents: Ajax vs. FC Groningen, SC Cambuur vs. Vitesse, and NAC Breda vs. SC Heerenveen. Marianne van Leeuwen, Director of Professional Football at the KNVB, noted that while incidents have a significant impact, the data across all 975 matches provides a more nuanced view. She emphasized that football-related issues are linked to broader societal problems and called for national coordination to address criminal groups and illegal trade.