Volendam in trouble: new field one metre too short and rejected by KNVB on the day the season starts | OneFootball

The KNVB have rejected FC Volendam’s pitch on the day the Eredivisie kicks off, NOS and NH Nieuws reported today. With the newly promoted team’s pitch one metre short, the dimensions do not meet the requirements.

The Football Association have determined that the pitch doesn’t meet the minimum length of 105 meters. According to Volendam, the contractor made the mistake by replacing the artificial turf with a natural pitch. Playing on natural grass is mandatory in the Eredivisie.

“Although the grass seeding is in an advanced stage and an extra meter of sod cannot be added, another solution is possible. A 50-centimetre layer of turf must be laid along both back lines,” NH Nieuws write.

Volendam are fortunate enough that their first fixture this weekend is away at Heerenveen. The pitch doesn’t have to be ready until August 17th for the home game against AZ Alkmaar.

Although Volendam received €350,000 in compensation from the KNVB, according to the club, laying the natural grass cost a whopping €1.2 million.

At the same time, Telstar also aren’t ready for the start of the season yet. They say the stadium is still “a construction site,” but “everything will be fine.”

GBeNeFN | Max Bradfield