THE HAGUE - The Dutch football federation (KNVB) announced on Tuesday its intention to end the season after the government decided to extend a ban on mass gatherings until September due to the coronavirus pandemic.

"The professional football committee intends to not continue playing the 2019/20 competition. The KNVB will consult UEFA, after which a decision will be taken," the federation said in a statement.

"The KNVB has not yet definitively cancelled competitions because of financial difficulties in the football industry due to the coronavirus crisis."

"There will be no matches before September 1," the statement added.

Clubs and other stakeholders will meet Friday to discuss the consequences of the decision.

There are eight rounds of matches left in the Eredivisie, with defending champions Ajax ahead of AZ Alkmaar on goal difference. The Dutch Cup final had been scheduled for April 19.

The Dutch top flight and second division have been suspended since March 12.