28 Dutch women start Champions League without club participation

The women's Champions League kicks off this week without a Dutch club having qualified; nevertheless, 28 Dutch players have entered the tournament, including players from FC Twente, PSV, Ajax and Feyenoord, who this season continue their European adventure in the Europa Cup tournament.

Twente in the main tournament last year

Journalist Chris Tempelman reports that FC Twente was still in the main tournament of the women's Champions League last year. This season, national champion PSV and runner‑up Ajax have failed to qualify for the main stage.

Feyenoord follows the same path; their European adventure takes place in the Europa Cup tournament. Next Thursday the three clubs – PSV, Ajax and Feyenoord – will play a home match.

With 28 Dutch players our country is well represented, but the number could have been one higher. An additional player could still have registered for the Champions League.

Ajax battles European giants for Ilyas Houira

Arsenal, however, did not register Daphne van Domselaar for the Champions League. The first‑choice goalkeeper of the Netherlands is therefore absent.

Van Domselaar has undergone surgery and is currently unavailable. The club is giving her time to fully recover.

Instead, the English side has brought in two new goalkeepers. These two keepers fill the void created by Van Domselaar's absence.

According to the club, Van Domselaar can still be added to the squad list in the next round, once she is fit. Then she could still play a role in the European campaign.