Eredivisie resumes on 9 October after record-long international break

The Eredivisie returns on Friday 9 October to the Dutch football calendar, after the new XXL‑international break keeps fans away from the stands longer than ever. The season, which started on 7 August, then had a three‑week break after 20 September.

Extended international break and consequences

FIFA has merged the September and October international breaks, extending the September period by a week and causing national teams to play more matches. The Dutch national team plays four matches within sixteen days.

Previously an international break lasted no longer than nine days and national teams played a maximum of two matches; now the pause is longer, but the Keuken Kampioen Divisie continues. As a result, fans of Eredivisie clubs will have to be patient a little longer.

The five major European leagues also resume in the weekend of 9 October. On Friday 9 October matches are scheduled in the Bundesliga, Ligue 1 and La Liga, while a day later the Premier League and Serie A start again.

The Eredivisie begins its new phase with a meeting between PSV and SC Heerenveen on Friday 9 October, with the competition continuing after the three‑week pause.