Marianne van Leeuwen, director of the KNVB, has indicated that the completion of the league is uncertain as they await a final decision in the ongoing sports passport matter.
NAC Breda has appealed to the KNVB, the Dutch Football Association, following a heavy 6-0 defeat to Go Ahead Eagles on March 15. The relegation-threatened club claims that Go Ahead Eagles included an ineligible player in the match and is demanding a rematch. This player, Dean James, is a left-back for the Eagles who obtained Indonesian nationality in March 2025 and has since played five matches for the Pasukan Garuda.
NAC Breda argues that Dean James should be considered ineligible because he is registered as a Dutch football player. According to Dutch law, acquiring Indonesian nationality results in the loss of Dutch citizenship.
In early April, the KNVB announced that it would not impose any penalties on Go Ahead Eagles, whilst confirming that James was indeed an ineligible player.
Also read: The Dutch ‘sports passport’ crisis explained: Causes, issues & solutions
‘Completion of league uncertain’
NAC Breda has taken the matter to court against the KNVB. Should the court rule in favour of NAC, it could spell significant trouble for both the Eredivisie and the KNVB, according to director Marianne van Leeuwen speaking to ESPN.
“It could go in several directions. We believe this could lead to chaos as many other clubs have made claims, and if the court sides with NAC, they too would likely pursue legal action. In that scenario, it may well be impossible to finish the league season,” Van Leeuwen stated.
Following the appeal from NAC, Ajax, Feyenoord, Telstar, FC Volendam, Heracles Almelo, and TOP Oss privately indicated that they would also pursue legal action if NAC prevailed.
The court case could have repercussions for a total of 133 Eredivisie matches that involved players who have recently obtained Indonesian or Surinamese nationality, stated KNVB lawyer Michiel van Dijk during Tuesday’s court session.
According to Tim Wilms, the attorney for NAC Breda, this case is not specifically about nationality, but rather a straightforward rule: “They fielded an ineligible player. Go Ahead fielded an ineligible player. The KNVB’s standard protocol is that any match must be replayed when this occurs. The reason for the player’s ineligibility is irrelevant.”
The ruling from the court in Utrecht is expected next Monday at 12:00 CET.
Compiled by SportArena.au
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