In September 2024, Ronald Koeman, the head coach of the Netherlands national football team, made headlines by banning Steven Bergwijn from the squad. At this moment you can also visit top betting sites from 1xBet in order to wager on the Dutch national side too.
This decision came after Bergwijn’s controversial move from Ajax to the Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad for a fee of £17.7 million.
Koeman’s decision was rooted in his belief that Bergwijn’s transfer demonstrated a lack of sporting ambition. When visiting the top betting sites 1xBet you can also wager on other great Dutch footballers too.
At 26, Bergwijn was expected to prioritize his athletic career over financial gains. Koeman expressed his disappointment publicly, stating that the “book is basically closed” on Bergwijn’s international career under his management. This move was seen as a strong stance against players prioritizing lucrative contracts over competitive football.
Broken trust
Bergwijn, who had been a part of the Dutch squad during Euro 2024, where the team reached the semi-finals, was understandably upset. The 1xbet.com/en/mobile website also allows you to wager on other major football competitions too. 3 other names from many countries that moved to Saudi Arabia in the summer 2024 transfer window included:
- Moussa Diaby;
- Ivan Toney;
- and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
He felt that Koeman’s comments were unfair and that the coach should have discussed the matter with him privately before making any public statements. Bergwijn expressed his frustration, stating that he no longer wished to play under Koeman, feeling betrayed by the lack of direct communication. At 1xBet you can wager on all matches from the Dutch national side too.
Sparking a big debate
Koeman’s decision sparked a broader debate about the role of financial incentives in modern football. Some supported Koeman’s stance, arguing that national team players should be competing at the highest levels. Others felt that players have the right to make career choices that secure their financial futures. You can always find a football bet – easy placeme can be made on the Saudi League at 1xBet.
Interestingly, Koeman allowed Georginio Wijnaldum, another Dutch player who moved to a Saudi club, to remain in the squad. Koeman justified this by pointing out Wijnaldum’s age and the unique circumstances surrounding his move. You are invited to the 1xBet website, which is the easiest placeme to make a football bet on Dutch players and coaches
