The Dutch Eredivisie faces significant disruption, with one hundred thirty-three matches from the 2025-2026 season potentially having their results changed. This follows a "passport scandal" triggered by a lawsuit from NAC Breda against Go Ahead Eagles, accusing them of fielding an ineligible player.

The controversy began after NAC Breda's 6-0 loss to Go Ahead Eagles in Eredivisie round 27 on 15/3. NAC Breda lodged a complaint with the Royal Netherlands Football Association (KNVB), alleging that Go Ahead Eagles player Dean James violated eligibility rules, and requested a rematch.

The core of the issue involves Dean James' citizenship status. From March 2025, James acquired Indonesian citizenship and renounced his Dutch nationality, as dual citizenship is not permitted by both countries. Consequently, the defender should have been registered as a non-European Union (EU) worker. However, his official records continued to list him as a Dutch citizen. Non-EU players must either obtain a work permit or earn a minimum salary of 600,000 euro per year. James did not possess a work permit, and his salary was approximately 190,000 euro, falling short of the required threshold.

Go Ahead Eagles defender Dean James played in the 6-0 victory over NAC Breda in round 27 of the 2025-2026 Dutch national league on 15/3/2026. *Photo: ANP*

The situation escalated on 1/4, when the Netherlands Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) released a list of 25 players whose work permits did not align with their passports. This group, actively playing in both the Eredivisie and the First Division, primarily consists of players who renounced Dutch nationality for countries such as Suriname, Cape Verde, or Indonesia. Given the large number of players implicated, Dutch media have widely referred to the incident as a "passport scandal".

Initially, these players faced temporary bans from playing and training with their respective clubs. However, by mid-April, the KNVB rejected NAC Breda's initial complaint, allowing the players to return to competition. The association also urged all clubs to collaborate on finding a solution that serves the common interest of Dutch football.

Undeterred, NAC Breda escalated the matter by appealing to the court in Utrecht. The lawsuit commenced on 28/4, with a verdict anticipated on 4/5. The potential ramifications are severe, with reports from international news agencies highlighting the gravity of the situation.

"The incident has thrown Dutch football into disarray," a Reuters report stated. Sportbible further commented, "The season could potentially be canceled."

The KNVB has warned that a court ruling favoring NAC Breda could open the floodgates for numerous similar lawsuits. Such an outcome could impact over 200 matches across Dutch football, including one hundred thirty-three in the Eredivisie alone. "Many other clubs have voiced their opposition," KNVB Chief Executive Officer Marianne van Leeuwen stated. "The situation could become chaotic, and the season risks not being completed."

Evidence of further challenges emerged as TOP Oss filed a complaint regarding their 3-1 loss to Willem II, citing the use of Indonesian player Nathan Tjoe-A-On in the First Division. Other prominent clubs, including Ajax, Feyenoord, Telstar, and FC Volendam, are also reportedly preparing to initiate legal proceedings.

KNVB lawyer Michiel van Dijk confirmed that rematches, rather than fines or point deductions, would be the appropriate remedy in accordance with regulations. However, he acknowledged that rescheduling such a large number of matches would be extremely challenging, especially with the 2026 World Cup approaching.

Amidst this unfolding crisis, PSV secured an early championship after 31 Eredivisie rounds, leading with 77 points, 19 points ahead of second-placed Feyenoord, with three matches remaining in the season.

*By Trung Thu*