Ironically the start of a proper league in the Netherlands happened very much despite the Dutch federation, KNVB, who did everything in its power to delay the entrance of money into the game.

In 1954 it submitted to pressure from press, players and several businessmen, who had started a successful league of their own.

Dutch football was averse to cash until well after World War II. The post-war years therefore saw an exodus of players like Faas Wilkes, Kees Rijvers, and Bertus de Harder who headed to France, Spain, and Italy respectively to earn a salary with their favourite hobby.

Leaving their own country also meant the end of their international careers.

The Dutch federation stubbornly refused to invite professionals for the Dutch team, which as a result saw a steady decline with only a single win between the summer of 1949 and the end of 1952, while average attendances at league matches also dropped with all the stars playing abroad.