Eerste Divisie

CountryNetherlandsNetherlands
Season2023

The Eerste Divisie, also known as the Keuken Kampioen Divisie due to sponsorship, is the second-highest tier of professional football in the Netherlands. Established in 1956, it operates under the jurisdiction of the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB). The league serves as a stepping stone for clubs aiming to reach the top-tier Eredivisie, with promotion and relegation systems in place.

The Eerste Divisie consists of 20 clubs, each playing 38 matches in a season, both home and away. The team with the most points at the end of the season is crowned the champion and earns automatic promotion to the Eredivisie. The next best teams compete in a playoff system for a chance to secure promotion. However, the reserve teams of Eredivisie clubs, which also participate in the Eerste Divisie, are not eligible for promotion.

The Eerste Divisie has been a breeding ground for many talented players who have gone on to make their mark in the Eredivisie and other top European leagues. It has also been home to clubs with rich histories and passionate fan bases. Some of the most successful clubs in the league's history include FC Volendam, NAC Breda, and De Graafschap, all of whom have multiple Eerste Divisie titles to their name.

The league has undergone several changes over the years, including the introduction of the playoff system in 2005 and the inclusion of reserve teams in 2013. These changes have been met with mixed reactions but have ultimately contributed to the league's competitive nature.

The Eerste Divisie has also been known for its commitment to fair play and sportsmanship, with the KNVB implementing strict regulations to ensure the integrity of the game. This commitment extends to the league's approach to financial management, with clubs required to meet certain financial criteria to maintain their professional status.

Despite being a second-tier league, the Eerste Divisie has managed to carve out a unique identity in Dutch football. Its competitive nature, combined with its role in developing future stars, makes it an integral part of the Dutch football landscape.

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