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Dutch FA cancels Eredivisie matches ahead of Ajax's trip to Tottenham

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The Dutch Football Association (KNVB) has postponed a round of domestic matches to permit Ajax an extended break ahead of their Champions League semifinal first leg at Tottenham on April 30.

Ajax was originally set for a Eredivisie clash with De Graafschap on April 28, two days before the trip to north London. That fixture has now tentatively been moved to Wednesday May 15, as have the other matches scheduled for the final weekend of April to avoid compromising the competition.

"Not only Ajax, but all Dutch football benefits from this," a statement from the KNVB said Friday, per BBC Sport.

The KNVB's announcement adds that the decision comes with players welfare in mind, as Ajax is also tasked with a spot in the Dutch Cup final in addition to Europe's marquee competition and the Eredivisie.

"We are aware that it is impossible to satisfy everyone, but a knot must be made," KNVB director Eric Gudde said. "There can be no question of full satisfaction because this is ultimately not pleasant for any of the people involved. What is really nice is the reason why this was necessary: ​​the semi-final place of Ajax in the Champions League."

"Ajax plays for the championship and De Graafschap is in the danger zone for relegation," Gudde added. "Not only would the denouement remain in one game that is played later, this also gives De Graafschap more time to prepare for this perhaps decisive game than the other relegation candidates."

The Amsterdam giants have progressed to the Champions League semifinals for the first time since 1996-97 after dismissing continental authorities Real Madrid and Juventus in successive rounds. Erik ten Hag's charges are currently joint-top of the Eredivisie with rivals PSV, with Ajax boasting a better goal differential.

Spurs play West Ham on April 27 ahead of the Tuesday visit from Ajax, and on May 6 versus Bournemouth, a fixture that is expected to be moved by the Premier League as it comes two days before the semifinal second leg in the Dutch capital.

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