October 20 – The Dutch FA (KNVB) has reported a significant decline in football-related disorder across the Netherlands during the 2024/25 professional season, with both the number and severity of incidents in stadiums falling compared to the previous year.
Data published in the federation’s annual Safety Monitor show that only three of the 968 professional matches played last season saw more than 20 stadium bans issued – a clear sign, the KNVB say, that continued investment in safety and crowd management is paying off.
In total, 824 national stadium bans were imposed, down from 1,100 the previous season. The number of bans for public violence also dropped sharply – from 176 to 108 – representing just 13% of the total compared to 16% a year earlier.
“The chance of being caught has risen significantly in recent years, but because fewer people were involved in incidents overall, fewer bans were imposed,” said Marianne van Leeuwen, the KNVB’s Director of Professional Football. “Clubs are responsible for safety in their stadiums and have invested millions in improving their operations — from steward training and crowd control to new security technologies. They deserve real credit for that progress.”
The report shows that the average duration of a stadium ban was 22 months, down slightly from 24 months last season – a reduction the KNVB attributes to fewer serious violations.
While the overall picture is largely positive, the number of disciplinary investigations opened by the independent professional football prosecutor rose slightly from 150 to 161.
However, these were mostly minor infractions, and in 54% of cases clubs were found not to be at fault thanks to adequate preventive and follow-up measures – an increase from 40% the previous season.
“Although there were fewer large-scale incidents, every one remains one too many,” van Leeuwen added. “Such events can spoil a football afternoon or evening and have a big impact on those who work in stadiums. That’s why, together with clubs, leagues, supporters, local authorities, police and the prosecution service, we’ll continue to build welcoming and safe environments where everyone can enjoy football.”
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at [email protected]