Dutch FA Seeks Guidance Following Unusual Incident Involving Twelve Fortuna Players on the Field

The KNVB, the Dutch football association, is consulting with rule experts from the International Football Association Board (IFAB) following a controversial moment during the Eredivisie match between SC Heerenveen and Fortuna Sittard, where the visiting team played with 12 players for a duration of 25 seconds.

This unusual incident occurred during a double substitution for Fortuna, where player Jasper Dahlhaus temporarily exited the pitch but then re-entered without waiting for the fourth official’s approval. The officiating crew failed to intervene, allowing Fortuna to continue the match with an extra player on the field.

Following a stoppage in play for a throw-in, the referee paused the match to allow Alen Halilovic—who was actually supposed to be subbed off—to depart the pitch from the opposite side. This was shortly followed by a corner for Fortuna Sittard, which they converted into an equaliser in the 89th minute.

The incident understandably frustrated Heerenveen manager Robin van Persie, who labelled the officiating officials as “amateurs” during the post-match comments. “Twelve against eleven. I didn’t know that was permissible, but it seems you can just do it,” Van Persie remarked after the match.

The day after this incident, the KNVB announced it would be reaching out to the IFAB to explore what actions could be taken retrospectively. The KNVB described the occurrence as a “very annoying and exceptionally sloppy situation.”

“We have requested statements regarding the precise events from the referees and the clubs,” the KNVB stated on their website.

“Based on these statements, we will seek guidance from the IFAB. Once we receive that advice, the professional football league board will make a decision.”