The Dutch football association KNVB says it aims to begin the new Eredivisie season on September 12, following the government’s decision to allow training again from July 1, without taking 1.5 metres into account.

In addition, stadiums will once again be able to welcome fans – on the condition they are kept separate and do not sing. This means one-third capacity crowds at most locations.

‘We are extremely pleased with the new measures,’ director Eric Gudde said on the KNVB website. ‘And the fact all the teams now train properly will save a lot of injuries throughout the season.’

The KNVB published its own protocol to start the season earlier this month.

The Dutch government banned football matches at the start of the coronavirus lockdown and the KNVB later decided to abandon the season with eight matches still to play.

The first football games under the new rules will be internationals on September 4 and September 7 as part of the Nations League competition.