The Dutch football association KNVB has postponed next weekend’s Ajax-PEC Zwolle tie by 11 days, to give the Amsterdammers more time to prepare for their key Champions League game against Real Madrid.

PSV, the current league leaders, and PEC Zwolle are furious at the move and have made their feelings plain to the KNVB.  Ajax and Zwolle were due to meet on March 2, but this has now been moved to March 13. Ajax play Real away on March 5, having lost the first leg.

‘This was never discussed with us,’ Zwolle technical director Gerard Nijkamp said. ‘We have to play three matches in eight days and our supporters have to be in Amsterdam at 6.30pm on a weekday, so they will have to take time off work.’

Nijkamp said the club had not ruled out legal action.

The KNVB says it has taken the decision in the interests of Dutch football. Agreements were made with the Eredivisie clubs about European obligations, spokesman Jan Bluyssen said.

‘Ajax is the only Dutch club which can bring in points for the Uefa rankings,’ he said.

A good placement in the rankings would mean that the Eredivisie champion next season would qualify directly for the Champions League competition.’