Netherlands round-up: Sparta down, Excelsior up
Sunday, May 26, 2002
Article summary
Sparta Rotterdam have been relegated for the first time in their history.
Article body
Sparta Rotterdam are facing up to their first relegation from the top flight in the Netherlands since the introduction of professional football in 1956.
Excelsior joy
Sparta, led by former Dutch international player and coach Frank Rijkaard, have been relegated after failing to clinch top spot in Group B of the country's promotion-relegation play-offs. SC Excelsior topped the four-team table and will take Sparta's place in the Eredivisie next season.
Going up
Excelsior, who have not played in the top division for 20 years, will join RBC Roosendaal and second division champions FC Zwolle. Sparta finished bottom.
Top of the pile
Excelsior finished Group B in top spot with ten points from six matches. They ended with a 2-1 loss at FC Volenda, but as Sparta also lost 3-1 at home to ADO Den Haag, Excelsior retained top spot.
