Seedorf's new role at Corinthians puts the KNVB council at risk
Clarence Seedorf was appointed on Sunday as the new coach of the Brazilian Corinthians, while his role as a commissioner at the KNVB is on shaky ground. The association has indicated that it will decide shortly whether the double role fits within its policy.
Contract and financial terms
Seedorf signs a contract that runs until the end of 2027. The contract includes a termination clause of three months' salary should Corinthians end the partnership. The board emphasizes that the agreement entails a long‑term commitment, despite the club's recent poor results.
Corinthians' current situation
The team currently sits in 16th place in the Brazilian Série A with 32 points, one point above Internacional, and has suffered seven consecutive defeats. The first match under Seedorf is scheduled for 19 October against Vitória at the Neo Química Arena. Before that date, Corinthians play on Sunday against Palmeiras under interim coach William Batista.
Seedorf will be in charge of, among others, Memphis Depay and Zakaria Labyad, who have both recently joined the club. He replaces Fernando Diniz, who left after disappointing results. The club hopes that the modern mindset of the Dutch ex‑player will give the players confidence.
Impact on KNVB board
Since 2023, Seedorf has been a member of the Supervisory Board of the KNVB, where he holds the portfolio of football technical matters. Maarten Wijffels reported that Seedorf recently participated in negotiations with candidate national team coaches, together with Nigel de Jong, Michael Reiziger and Xavi Hernández. “The roles seem incompatible,” Wijffels said.
The KNVB will soon decide whether Seedorf can combine his duties at the association with coaching a top club in Brazil. According to the association, the decision will be made “in the short term,” weighing the interests of both the national and club football environments.
In an initial video message Seedorf said: “Feliz com a oportunidade” and added that he wants to do the best for Corinthians “with a lot of work.” He emphasized that the support of the fans is crucial for the team’s success for the rest of the championship.