NAC Breda had previously requested a replay of their 0-6 loss to Go Ahead Eagles in matchday 27 of the Eredivisie on 15/3. NAC argued that Go Ahead Eagles used player Dean James, who was ineligible. James, a defender born in 2000, had reportedly renounced his Dutch nationality to become an Indonesian citizen in 3/2025. He should have been registered under a non-European Union (EU) worker status, but his records still listed him as a Dutch citizen.

The Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) admitted that James should not have played. However, they rejected NAC's request, stating that neither the player nor the club was aware that the change in nationality would have legal consequences. The KNVB also noted that many players had given up their Dutch nationality to play for countries such as Suriname, Cape Verde, or Indonesia. If NAC's request were granted, it would trigger a chain reaction, forcing 133 Eredivisie matches to be replayed.

Subsequently, NAC appealed the decision to the court in Utrecht.

Go Ahead Eagles defender Dean James (right) plays in the 6-0 victory over NAC Breda during matchday 27 of the Dutch Eredivisie 2025-2026 season on 15/3/2026. Photo: Pro Shot

Today, the court rejected the club's lawsuit and sided with the KNVB. Based on the league regulations, the court ruled that the KNVB had the authority to decide that the match did not need to be replayed, even if a player's eligibility was violated.

Additionally, the judge overseeing the case assessed that the league organizers had carefully and reasonably considered the benefits and consequences before making their decision. The court found it "not unreasonable" for the organizers to prioritize the significant potential consequence of replaying 133 matches, especially with the season nearing its end, over NAC's interest in a replay.

In a statement on their homepage, NAC announced they would thoroughly review the ruling and consult further with their advisors before issuing another announcement. The team currently ranks 17th out of 18 teams in the Eredivisie, occupying a relegation spot, with 25 points and 6 points behind FC Volendam, the team above them, with two rounds remaining in the season.

Meanwhile, Go Ahead Eagles posted a celebratory emoji on X. Head coach Melvin Boel shared a gif of someone dancing.

The court's rejection of NAC's lawsuit also ended the ambitions of several other teams to file complaints. TOP Oss had intended to dispute their 1-3 loss to Willem II, alleging that their opponent used Indonesian player Nathan Tjoe-A-On in the Dutch First Division. Ajax, Feyenoord, Telstar, and FC Volendam were also prepared to pursue legal action.

Previously, the KNVB confirmed that replays, rather than fines or point deductions, were the appropriate course of action according to regulations. However, rescheduling matches with the upcoming 2026 World Cup approaching was an impossible task.