AZ Alkmaar visits a Feyenoord side that has just lost a chunk of its influence in European football. The Rotterdam club has lost its direct seat on the board of the European Football Clubs (EFC) following the departure of general director Dennis te Kloese.
Te Kloese served as an independent expert representing the Netherlands on the EFC board. This organisation of European clubs discusses strategic issues like competition formats, revenue distribution, and the allocation of European finals. His exit from Feyenoord made his departure from this board inevitable.
The Dutch seat has been taken over immediately by Ajax director Menno Geelen. His appointment received unanimous support from Dutch professional clubs, the KNVB, and the Eredivisie. This means Feyenoord no longer has a direct voice in key decision-making for European club football.
For AZ, who lead the Eredivisie with 19 points, this is a notable development. Pascal Jansen's side faces a direct rival on Saturday that has just lost a foothold in the corridors of power. The last meeting between the two, in May, ended 1-1. The current standings show AZ in first place, with Feyenoord two points behind in second.
The coming weeks are key in the title race and the fixtures show a thrilling clash at De Kuip. AZ aims to extend its lead at the top in the direct confrontation.
Read the full report at 1908.nl
