KNVB in the World: this is what we do

A KNVB delegation attended Soccerex. - Foto: KNVB Media

The KNVB operates internationally and wants to help develop football. We do so in a wide variety of areas: Through our well-known WorldCoaches programme, through which we train local football coaches worldwide. But we also make an administrative contribution to international committees, of course. And we visit our football colleagues around the world or host them in Zeist. We work together, seek connection and provide assistance where needed. We all do this for one purpose: To help develop and improve football globally, for the future of our football.

The KNVB periodically shares information about its international activities on this site.

December 2023

Soccerex in Miami (USA)

A KNVB delegation, including General Secretary Gijs de Jong and WorldCoaches Ambassador Johan Neeskens, attended Soccerex from 13 to 16 November. At this international football fair, one of the largest events that combines football, business and media, the KNVB introduced the ‘International Academy’, a training initiative that provides customised training for leagues, associations and confederations. In addition to ‘WorldCoaches’, through which the KNVB has helped train football coaches in low- and middle-income countries for years, this constitutes a new step to helping train people around the world. 

IFAB

On Thursday, 14 December, consultations were held with the Secretary-General of IFAB, the international rules committee. The purpose of the meeting was to reflect on the annual meeting of IFAB directors. The main conclusion is that there will be more room for experimentation. The KNVB has been initiating game rule innovation for years. In the Netherlands, new rules of the game are constantly being tested at various levels. With this we aim to improve football, wherever possible, to make it fairer, sportier and more attractive.

FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027

We have submitted our official bid BNG2027 (Belgium, Netherlands, Germany) to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027. Ten years after the golden European Championship of our Dutch National Women’s Team, this would be a great prospect for boosting women’s and girls’ football in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. We differ from the bids of Brazil on the one hand and USA/Mexico on the other hand on the basis of fan experience, sustainability and commercial revenue.  

UEFA Nations League finals

The spectacular victory over Belgium saw the Dutch National Women’s Team qualify for the Final Four of the UEFA Nations League. Needless to say, KNVB was represented in Switzerland for the drawing of the UNL finals, scheduled for February. Qualification for the Paris Olympics is at stake. The first, tough, that hurdle Andries Jonker and his players have to cross is Spain.

UEFA EURO 2024 drawing

The drawing for the European Championship paired the Dutch team with France, Austria and the winner of playoff route A. In the days surrounding the drawing, we viewed and, if possible, secured all the venues, accommodations and facilities we would need during the tournament. So as to look ahead to the possible scenarios next summer, also with regard to the expected (large) attendance of Dutch fans.

Visit to the FIFA Club World Cup 2023

We will attend the FIFA summit in Saudi Arabia, together with all presidents and secretaries-general of the (over 200) member football associations for a substantive programme. We will also visit the final of the FIFA Club World Cup in Jeddah.