Dutch football has been in an uproar recently. Not because the Netherlands failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup—as they had already secured their spot in this year's tournament—but because of the passport gate scandal.
This case came to light after several players in the Dutch League were found to have questionable citizenship status. Some were suspected of using invalid passports, while others had unclear legal statuses with the Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service. This situation placed the clubs, the KNVB, the league operator and the players in a difficult position.
Passport and citizenship issues arose after NAC Breda filed a protest with the KNVB regarding the eligibility of Go Ahead Eagles player Dean James following their 6-0 loss in a Dutch League match on March 15. However, league authorities confirmed that the result of the match would not be changed.
In addition to Dean James, three other Indonesian players were caught up in work permit issues reported by the Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service: Justin Hubner of Fortuna Sittard, Nathan Tjoe-A-On of Willem II, and Tim Geypens of FC Emmen. Their names were included in the list of 25 players with work permit issues issued by the Dutch Immigration Service.
Three other Indonesian national team players who also play in the Netherlands, Maarten Paes Miliano Jonathans , and Mees Hilgers are not included in the list.
The KNVB and Eredivisie CV are now at the forefront of responding to this controversy. On the one hand, both institutions are required to maintain the integrity of the competition. However, on the other hand, they also rely on documents submitted by clubs and players, whose verification process involves state institutions outside the realm of football.
The issue becomes complicated when football regulations intersect with strict immigration regulations. The Netherlands is known for its relatively restrictive policies regarding dual citizenship.
However, in practice, many players in the league have diaspora backgrounds, whether from Suriname, Cape Verde, or Curaçao. This situation creates a gray area that isn't always easily interpreted legally.
Eredivisie CV director Jan de Jong has confirmed that non-European players must apply for a re-entry permit or a non-temporary humanitarian residence permit, which is intended for former Dutch citizens.
