Dutch matches to be stopped immediately if explosive devices are used
Decision by KNVB, the public prosecutor’s office and the Ministry of Security follows the Cambuur–Feyenoord incident in which fans were injured.
11.09.2026 — Dutch football matches will be stopped at once if explosive devices are used in the stands, officials decided after a meeting of representatives from the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB), the public prosecutor's office and the Ministry of Security.
Immediate abandonment policy
The decision was taken in response to a violent episode during last month's game between Cambuur and Feyenoord, when visiting supporters threw explosive devices into the crowd. Several spectators were hurt — some suffered burns, eye injuries and damage to their hearing — prompting authorities to adopt a zero-tolerance stance.
"From now on the rule is clear — if explosive devices are used, the match ends immediately and everyone in the stadium can go home," said Dutch minister for security David van Vil.
Officials said the new policy gives stadium stewards and match organisers the clear authority to halt and terminate a fixture the moment such devices are detected or deployed. The measure is intended to remove ambiguity and speed up decisions during dangerous incidents.
In addition to the abandonment rule, authorities announced they will step up enforcement of existing measures aimed at preventing disorder at matches and protecting spectators.
The KNVB, the public prosecutor's office and the Ministry of Security said they will coordinate more closely to ensure the rule is applied uniformly across competitions and venues.
Photo: press material from the event
