The KNVB has appointed Sander van der Eijk as the referee for the top match between Ajax and PSV Eindhoven, a decision that has caused major discontent on social media. The match, the first top fixture of the 2026/27 VriendenLoterij Eredivisie season, takes place on Saturday at 20:00 in the Johan Cruijff ArenA.
PSV currently sits second in the league with 10 points from four games, following three wins and a draw. The Eindhoven side has scored 15 goals and conceded five, resulting in a +10 goal difference. They trail leaders AZ Alkmaar by two points. The next fixture on the calendar is this away match against Ajax on September 5, 2026, with the home team in fourth place. Ajax has played one game fewer and can draw level with PSV with a victory.
Why is the referee choice so controversial?
The Dutch football association announced Van der Eijk's appointment on Monday. He will be assisted by linesmen Rens Bluemink and Sander de Groot. Richard Martens is the fourth official. In the VAR booth, Pol van Boekel will be the lead VAR with Dyon Fikkert as the AVAR.
Fan reactions were immediate and highly critical. An Ajax supporter described the choice on social media as "the worst referee in the Eredivisie." A user on the Ajax Showtime forum called the appointment "laughable." Another fan summarized it as "a joke." Daniel, a supporter, said it was "disgraceful" and called Van der Eijk "a very, very, very mediocre ref."
What did supporters say exactly?
The discontent was expressed pointedly. An Ajax fan asked rhetorically: "They thought: shall we appoint the worst referee in the Eredivisie?" Another supporter reacted with disbelief: "Huh, a top match and then Sander van der Eijk, laughable." These quotes, picked up by Goal.com in their reporting, encapsulate the general mood among fans. Confidence in the officiating for this crucial match appears damaged before a ball has even been kicked.
How important is this match for PSV?
For PSV Eindhoven, this is an opportunity to maintain pressure on leaders AZ Alkmaar. A win in Amsterdam would confirm their strong start to the season. The team currently has the second-best points tally in the league, which can be seen on the standings page. Their recent form of W-W-W-D shows they are consistently picking up points.
The defense, which has conceded five goals so far, faces a stern test against the Ajax attack. The midfield and forward line, responsible for fifteen goals, must show their productivity in an away match against a direct rival. The game is an early benchmark in the title race.
Who makes up the officiating team?
Besides head referee Sander van der Eijk, the full team consists of experienced officials. Rens Bluemink and Sander de Groot will run the line as assistant referees. Richard Martens fulfills the role of fourth official at pitchside. Video decisions will be made by VAR referee Pol van Boekel, assisted by AVAR Dyon Fikkert. This complete team will be in charge of one of the most charged fixtures of the season on Saturday night. The match between Ajax and PSV Eindhoven kicks off on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 20:00 in Amsterdam.
