Dutch FA controversially agree to postpone Feyenoord match because of Robin van Persie

The Dutch FA has made a drastic decision regarding Robin van Persie’s Feyenoord ahead of their Champions League tie against Inter Milan.

Van Persie, 41, is best known for his time playing in the Premier League for Arsenal and Manchester United but has since moved into management following his retirement in 2019.

In May 2024, he was announced as head coach of Eredivisie side Heerenveen.

After leading the club to nine wins out of 26 games this term, he was appointed as Feyenoord’s boss in February 2025.

The Rotterdam club currently sit fourth in the Dutch top flight with Van Persie overseeing a 0-0 draw in his first game in charge against NEC at De Kuip on Saturday, 1 March.

Of course, there will be tougher tests to come – namely, in the Champions League. The Dutch side will face Inter Milan in the round of 16, having knocked out their city rivals AC Milan in the play-off stage.

And they have been handed a boost by the Dutch FA, which could prove vital to their chances of progressing in Europe’s premier club competition.

According to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Feyenoord have had a request to postpone their league fixture against Groningen approved by the country’s federation.

The choice was reportedly “dictated by the fact that Van Persie has been the new coach for less than a week”.

Robin van Persie is Feyenoord head coach (Credit:Getty)

Feyenoord will face Inter in the first leg of their round of 16 clash on Wednesday, 5 March. The side were then due to face Groningen on the weekend, but this has been postponed.

As a result, Van Persie’s players will have an extended rest until they face Simone Inzaghi’s side in the second leg on Tuesday, 11 March.

Meanwhile, the Serie A champions have a league game with Monza on March 8, sandwiched in between the European fixtures.

Of course, the Italian giants - who currently sit top of Serie A ahead of Napoli by one point - will still arguably fancy their chances of progressing in this year's competition as they have top talents such as Marcus Thuram, Lautaro Martinez and Nicolo Barella at their disposal.