Article by Cosmin Nistor – Published on Thursday, 30 April 2026 22:52 / Updated on Thursday, 30 April 2026 23:00
An incredible case shakes the Eredivisie, the league in which PSV Eindhoven has already become champion alongside Dennis Man. Dean James, the left back of the Go Ahead Eagles, a former opponent of the Romanian champions FCSB in the Europa League, is at the center of a controversy that could overturn the entire season in Holland.
A Dutch-born player who chose to represent Indonesia at international level, Dean James is suspected of having played without a valid work permit in the Netherlands.
According to the law, in certain cases, accepting Indonesian citizenship may lead to the loss of Dutch citizenship. That would automatically make him a non-EU player, who needs a work permit to play in the championship.
Over 100 matches, in danger of being replayed in the Eredivisie!
It all started after Go Ahead Eagles' emphatic 6-0 victory over NAC Breda. NAC officials later filed a complaint, claiming the opponents used an ineligible player.
The case is not an isolated one. About 25 players with similar situations (from Indonesia, Suriname or Cape Verde) could be affected, notes The Sun.
If the Utrecht court rules in favor of NAC Breda, the consequences could be unprecedented: up to 133 matches could be rescheduled or cancelled, the Eredivisie standings could be completely turned upside down, and the season could become impossible to finish before the start of the World Cup.
The federation denies the allegations
The Dutch Football Association has already rejected the request for the match to be replayed, citing that neither the club nor the player were aware of the possible legal issues.
However, lawyers are convinced that the decision can be reversed in court.
Well, NAC Breda can still win this match. If you are a Dutch player with Indonesian origins, you can choose to play for Indonesia. You get a passport there, but what many players and clubs don't know is that in some cases you could give up your Dutch citizenship.
If NAC finds out and files a court case, then the match could be turned into a win for them. I was at an event with someone from a law firm that specializes in this area and he told me it could become a very big case.
James and at least ten other players who made similar choices would need a work permit after changing sports nationality. Until they receive this permit, they would not be eligible to play or work in the Netherlands
– Rogier Jacobs, analyst The Sun
