Dutch football will be played behind closed doors due to an increase in infections by COVID-19

The sporting events the next three weeks in the Netherlandssuch as the football league matches and the Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifying match between the local team and Norway, They will be played behind closed doors, the Dutch Government announced on Friday.

“Sports competitions may continue in the coming weeks, but the public will not be welcome”Said the acting prime minister, Mark Rutte at a press conference.

Is about a measure announced today to curb the spread of COVID-19, after the country registered on Thursday the worst contagion data since the start of the pandemic.

The Royal Netherlands Football Association and the Eredivisie expressed their discomfort. “It is more than frustrating to see that the Government does not seem to be looking at where the sources of infection occur. These have not taken place in the stadiums, as has been shown on several occasions, “said both institutions in a joint statement.

“We have invested tens of thousands of euros to make everything crown proof for the spectators. Hundreds of games have been played with the public since the first confinement and not a single game has caused major outbreaks”, Assured the federation and the Eredivisie.

The move will mean that the meeting between the Netherlands and Norway, scheduled for next Tuesday in Rotterdam, it will be played behind closed doors, something that the Dutch acting prime minister described as “painful”.

The federation and the Eredivisie indicated that “this match is very important for qualifying for the World Cup next year and, of course, the advantage of playing at home with a local crowd would be a good boost ”.

The local team leads Group G in the World Cup qualification with 18 points, two more than Norway. Van Gaal’s team faces Montenegro on Saturday, while Stale Solbakken’s men host Latvia. If both teams do not fail, the Rotterdam match will decide who qualifies directly for Qatar 2022. (D)