Eredivisie Passport Gate: NAC Breda vs KNVB Over Dean James 2026

KNVB says passport dispute could stop Eredivisie season  

NAC Breda appeal 6-0 Go Ahead Eagles defeat over Dean James passport. KNVB warns of ‘chaos’ as Ajax, Feyenoord back legal action if NAC win.

KNVB director says Eredivisie season 'might not be completed' amid passport dispute. Ajax, Feyenoord among 6 clubs ready to sue KNVB if NAC Breda win Dean James case...

KNVB director Marianne van Leeuwen said the league 'might not be completed' while it awaits the final verdict in the sports passport case.

NAC Breda filed an appeal with the KNVB, the Dutch FA, after their 6-0 away loss to Go Ahead Eagles on March 15. Relegation-threatened NAC claim Go Ahead Eagles used an ineligible player and want the match replayed. The player is Eagles left-back Dean James, who took Indonesian nationality in March 2025 and has made 5 appearances for Pasukan Garuda.

NAC Breda argue Dean James is ineligible because he’s registered as a Dutch footballer. Under Dutch law, acquiring Indonesian nationality means he loses his Dutch passport.

'League might not be completed'

NAC Breda have taken the KNVB to court over the issue. If the judge rules for the Breda club, the Eredivisie and the KNVB could face major problems, KNVB director Marianne van Leeuwen told ESPN.

“It can go in a lot of different directions. We believe this would lead to chaos because many other clubs have filed claims and, if the court were to rule in NAC’s favour, would also file complaints and initiate summary proceedings. In that case, it might not be possible to complete the league season,” Van Leeuwen said.

 

After NAC’s appeal, Ajax, Feyenoord, Telstar, FC Volendam, Heracles Almelo, and TOP Oss all privately said they would take legal action if NAC win the case.

The case could impact 133 Eredivisie matches involving players who recently took Indonesian or Surinamese nationality, KNVB attorney Michiel van Dijk said during Tuesday’s hearing.

NAC Breda attorney Tim Wilms says it’s not about nationalities but a 'simple rule': “Fielding an ineligible player. Go Ahead had fielded an ineligible player. The standard rule of the KNVB is that the match must then be replayed. The reason for the player’s ineligibility is irrelevant.”

 

The court in Utrecht will hand down its ruling in the case next Monday at 12.00 CET.