From the 2025/2026 season, there are signs that artificial turf pitches will be banned in the stadiums of the first division teams. The Algemeen Dagblad concluded that it was a formality for Eredivisie clubs to vote on the issue in December.

The subject has been placed on the Eredivisie CV agenda for the 1 December general meeting. If five sixths of the Eredivisie clubs vote for a suspension there, it will come from 2025/2026.

There are currently four top-level clubs in the Netherlands with an artificial pitch. According to AD, Cambuur, FC Emmen, FC Volendam and Excelsior will not interfere. The Eredivisie clubs would be “almost unanimously” in favor of a ban.

There are many more artificial grass fields in the Kitchen Champion Division, but these clubs are not allowed to vote.

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Artificial turf was introduced in the Netherlands in 2003 when Heracles Almelo was the first to install such a turf. Numerous clubs followed. However, as the season progressed, it became more critical and a thorn in the side of other clubs, players and fans. Artificial turf would further increase the gap to the top European competitions played on natural grass.

In recent years, several clubs have banned artificial turf of their own accord. Clubs like Sparta, ADO Den Haag, RKC and Roda JC had their artificial turf removed. December 1 will show whether artificial turf will disappear completely from the Eredivisie.