2020
QUESTION
With the organization of and participation in the European Championship in 2022, Dutch futsal had turned the spotlight on itself. This attention raised the question whether a change in the structure at the time would benefit the quality of Dutch futsal. The KNVB has asked Hypercube to investigate the top of the futsal pyramid and to give advice on how to optimize it.
HYPERCUBE’S ADVICE
In the exploratory phase, Hypercube involved several stakeholders in the research through various conversations and interviews. Subsequently, with the help of an extensive data analysis, different options for the competitions were compared. From this, Hypercube came up with the proposal to introduce a new structure in which the current Eredivisie will be expanded to 16 teams. This new structure uses a ‘split season’ system. After 12 games, the top 8 and the bottom 8 are separated and they both play in their own pool consisting of 14 games, in which they take half of the points from the first half of the year. In addition to a new structure for the Eredivisie, a third First Division will be added to the futsal pyramid. The 36 clubs playing in these divisions are divided into three leagues of 12 based on their geographical location. The number of promotion places per migration season is determined on the basis of the strength of the competition. The aim of this reform is to make futsal competitions more attractive for clubs, players and spectators.
IMPACT
The KNVB has decided to implement Hypercube’s advice. It has been decided to expand the Eredivisie futsal from 12 to 16 teams from the 2020/2021 season. This addition takes place from the Eerste Divisie and is based on the ranking of the previous season. The First Division will play with three groups from the 2021/22 season. The 2020/21 season is used as a so-called ‘migration season’ to arrive at a third First Division group.
Hypercube also provides a ranking that is used for the pot allocation of the first phase of the competition.
