The Dutch football association KNVB has sanctioned research into the setting up of a football competition involving top Dutch and Belgian clubs, chairman Michael van Praag told BNR radio.

‘The idea has always been shouted down because of the emotions. There has never been a real look at the opportunities a merger would bring,’ Van Praag, former chairman of Amsterdam club Ajax, said. A joint Dutch Belgian league has been nicknamed Beneliga.
Such a system could generate more money for Dutch clubs, many of which are strapped for cash. In particular television rights could be a good source of extra income, he said.