THE Eredivise is facing the prospect of having to have 133 matches replayed.
The Dutch league has been rocked after a massive passport row erupted.
Dean James is one mulitple players who may not be eligiable to play in Holland Credit: Getty
Tjaronn Chery was left at home by NEC Nijmegen while his work status was figured out Credit: Getty
The panic has erupted after confusion over dual nationality rules in .
Dutch law automatically revokes a person’s citizenship if they voluntarily acquire another nationality.
Many players were unaware that representing their ancestral homelands meant they would no longer be considered as EU citizens.
The issue was raised after NAC Breda were thumped 6-0 by Go Ahead Eagles on March 15.
In an episode of “De Derde Helft” podcast, the hosts picked apart the team’s awful showing.
The podcast is popular among fans and is even listened to by players and administrators.
Analyst Rogier Jacobs caused a stir as he made the claim that Breda could still win the match – despite losing 6-0.
He made his claim as he believed that Go Ahead Eagles full-back Dean James was ineligible.
James switched allegiance from Holland to Indonesia Credit: Getty
James made the decision to represent Indonesia on the international stage back in March 2025.
Jacobs explained: “Well, NAC Breda can still win this match.
“If you’re a Dutch player with Indonesian roots, you can choose to play for Indonesia.
“You’ll get a passport there, but what a lot of players and clubs don’t know is in some cases, you’d therefore give up your Dutch nationality.
“If NAC find out about that, file a lawsuit, then this match could end up being a win for them.
“I was at a drinks reception with someone from a law firm who specialises in this, and he said it could become a very big deal.”
James at least ten more players who have made similar decisions would need to gain a work permit after switching national allegiances.
Until they are granted a work permit, they would not be eligible to play or work in Holland.
Key KNVB and Dutch Work Permit Rules
Non-EU Status
- If a player relinquishes a Dutch/EU passport for another nationality (e.g., Indonesia, Suriname, Cape Verde), they immediately become a non-EU player and must obtain a work permit.
Salary Thresholds
- Generally, non-EU players aged 20+ must earn a minimum gross annual wage of approximately €500,000–€600,000+ (150% of the Eredivisie average).
Under-21 Thresholds
- Players under 21 have a lower threshold, roughly 75% of the average, often around €250,000+.
Permit Application:
- Clubs must prove they could not hire an EU/EEA national and apply for a Single Permit (residence and work permit) through the UWV (Employee Insurance Agency).
“Sports Passport” Issues
- The KNVB is currently investigating cases where players used a “sports passport” or failed to register changes in citizenship, which may constitute illegal employment.
Chery has returned to action Credit: Getty
Professor of sport and law Marjan Olfers told ESPN: “If a player renounces his Dutch citizenship, as it were, you enter a different jurisdiction.
“In fact, you are then a foreigner.
“And therefore, you must possess a permit to be able to perform your work here.”
Breda have since complained to the KNVB about James’ eligibility after the managing director Remco Oversier was made aware of the podcast episode.
The KNVB has initially ruled that the result would stand and not be replayed despite being notified that James was ineligible.
This led Breda to launch an appeal and claim that the board had not followed its own rules.
A Utrecht court judgment is expected on Monday that could leave the KNVB with the prospect of replaying at least 133 matches if the judge rules in favour of Breda.
NEC Nijmegen star Tjaronn Chery is another star who has been affected by “passportgate”.
He opted to represent Suriname when he was unaware of the potential snowball effect on his citizenship.
The attacking midfielder was not allowed to train at the club as it was not known if he would be allowed to work.
He and several other Surinamese players returned to training before games on the weekend of April 5.
Many cases saw the likes of Chery be given a stamp on the passports from the Immigration and Naturalisation Service which allowed them to play.
He told ESPN: “[My teammates] called asking when I would be coming back.
“When you play together for so long and are always together, you miss each other.
“It was messy and there was a bit of panic, but I’m glad everything is sorted out in the end.”
KNVB lawyer Michiel van Dijk has issued a warning that there could be huge consequences if Breda’s request for a replay is granted.
His warning comes as the likes of , , Telstar, FC Volendam, Heracles Almelo, and TOP Oss will reportedly make their own requests.
Van Dijk has confirmed that there are 11 Eredivisie players from eight clubs who are affected by the passport issues.
They have changed their nationalities to represent nations such as Cape Verde, Indonesia or Suriname.
He said: “‘They are in the final stages, the schedule is already under immense strain.
“If more clubs initiate legal proceedings, neither of the men’s leagues can be completed.
“The play-offs are already scheduled, and there are hard deadlines for the European competitions. Extensions are not possible.
“And finally: matches must be played on the field, not in court.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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