Leading Eredivisie football clubs have agreed ‘in principle’ to no longer poach promising youth players from each other, the Parool reported on Friday.

Ajax, Feyenoord, PSV, FC Utrecht, Vitesse and AZ have come to a ‘gentlemen’s agreement’ in order to raise the overall level of football in the Netherlands, according to chairman of the organisation of top flight clubs Jacco Swart.

The measure is part of a package of reforms which includes more time for preparation for clubs which have qualified for the Champions League or the Europa League and a bonus for clubs which play on grass rather than artificial turf.

The clubs have also agreed on a much higher payment for taking on a youth player from another club. ‘This means the incentive to do this will be smaller. But at the same time, if it does happen, clubs will be looking at a much more substantial financial reward,’ Swart told the paper.

Dutch football association KNVB will look at the plans at its next meeting, the Parool said.