AZ Alkmaar has announced that it will play upcoming league matches at Cars Jeans Stadion, home of rival Eredivisie club ADO Den Haag, while the roof is repaired at AFAS Stadion.
AZ had already confirmed that it would play at ADO Den Haag’s ground during the group stages of the UEFA Europa League, and a similar arrangement has now been reached for Eredivisie fixtures.
AZ has been forced to play matches away from AFAS Stadion after the roof of the venue partially collapsed last month. The club revealed last week that the incident, which led to no injuries, was caused by strong winds.
Engineering and consultancy firm Royal HaskoningDHV is carrying out an ongoing investigation into the matter. It is not clear when AZ will be free to return to AFAS Stadion but the club will play at Cars Jeans Stadion at least until the winter break.
Since the incident, AZ has played home matches at both Cars Jeans Stadion and De Grolsche Veste, home of FC Twente. Pauline Krikke, Mayor of Den Haag, said the city is “happy to help AZ out”.
Dutch online newspaper NU.nl noted that Den Haag will not allow AZ to play its home match against Ajax at Cars Jeans Stadion amid concerns over public order and safety. A venue for this match has not yet been confirmed.
AZ has been drawn in Group L in the Europa League, alongside Manchester United, Astana and Partizan Belgrade.
Image: FaceMePLS
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