Ajax loses Dutch league as FA cancels Eredivisie season

Ajax have been denied the opportunity to lift the 2020 Dutch Eredivisie trophy after announcing the cancellation of the league due to the effects of the coronavirus.

The Dutch FA (KNVB) and clubs during a video conference call agreed that there will also be no promotion to the Dutch Eredivisie or relegation from the top flight.

Before the league was suspended due to the pandemic, Ajax were top of the Eredivisie table, ahead of AZ Alkmaar on goal difference, with nine matchday left to complete the season.

The decision to render the season null and void came after the government extended the lockdown in the country until September 1, burying the KNVB's initial plan to resume the suspended football season for the top two divisions on June 19, behind closed doors.

Ajax will now go directly to the play-offs of the Champions League, with AZ playing in the second heat of the Champions League.

Sky Sports added that third-placed Feyenoord will go straight into the group stage of the Europa League with PSV and Willem II qualifying for the second qualifying round for the Europa League.

The settlement of places for European competition next season is subject to confirmation from UEFA.