They were replaced by 2009–10 Eerste Divisie champions De Graafschap, who return to the Eredivisie after one season.
Sparta Rotterdam were also relegated at the end of the promotion/relegation playoff tournament, as they lost their two-legged play-off against city rivals Excelsior on away goals.
Sparta hence completed a 5-year stint in the league, while Excelsior played for the first time at the top level in 2 years.
In contrast, Willem II retained their Eredivisie spot after beating Go Ahead Eagles after extra time of the return leg.
The teams placed fifth through eighth compete in a play-off tournament for one spot in the second qualifying round of the 2011–12 UEFA Europa League.