KNVB Dismisses NAC’s Appeal: Go Ahead and James Avoid Penalties in Passport Scandal

Following the heavy defeat, NAC Breda lodged an appeal with the KNVB, arguing that Go Ahead Eagles’ left-back, Dean James, was ineligible to play. They contended that he was utilising a Dutch registration linked to a passport he had surrendered after acquiring Indonesian nationality.

Dean James made the switch to Indonesian nationality in March 2025, and has since represented his new country in five international appearances. To avert any complications, he was omitted from Go Ahead Eagles’ squad for the match against PEC Zwolle.

The appeal from NAC caused a stir within the Dutch football community, leading other clubs to consider sidelining certain players out of fear of potential repercussions and fines.

On Wednesday, the KNVB revealed that Go Ahead Eagles would receive no penalties. “This is because neither the player nor the club were aware of the automatic consequences of acquiring a nationality other than Dutch. Additionally, it has come to light that the implications of changing nationality were largely unrecognised in professional football,” the statement detailed.

While the KNVB acknowledged that Dean James was indeed ineligible to play, they did not specify whether the match between Go Ahead Eagles and NAC Breda would be replayed, a request made by NAC in their appeal.

NAC Breda has issued a statement indicating that they are still awaiting a final decision.