Heracles Almelo, as a club in the Eredivisie, is following with great concern the developments surrounding an unprecedented institutional crisis that calls into question the validity of no less than 133 matches in the current season. The scandal, dubbed “Paspoortgate”, involves the irregular fielding of athletes who have lost their European citizenship. The local football federation has confirmed that eight different clubs in the national football elite, potentially including Heracles, are affected by this situation.

The controversy gained strength after NAC Breda formalized a legal complaint against Go Ahead Eagles. NAC Breda, which is fighting relegation, is contesting the recent 6-0 defeat it suffered and focuses on the use of Dean James. This player, born in the Netherlands, reportedly gave up his Dutch passport when he became an Indonesian citizen. According to local legislation, such a change requires an immediate work visa, which would not have occurred in this case.

The basis of the conflict lies in a strict interpretation of Dutch civil law regarding the possession of multiple nationalities. When a citizen born in the country decides to officially adopt the citizenship of another nation to represent a foreign team, they automatically lose the right to a European passport. Without this local document, the player is then considered a foreigner outside the European Union.

This change of legal status obliges clubs to request a specific work authorization so that the professional can continue carrying out their activities. According to specialist Joost Verlaan, in an interview with broadcaster “NOS”, the rule is clear about the need for a visa. Failure to comply could lead to severe penalties, including the invalidation of played matches.

The potential cancellation of 133 matches would have a massive impact on the Eredivisie standings and the integrity of the competition. Clubs like Heracles Almelo are anxiously awaiting how this “Paspoortgate” crisis will be resolved and what consequences it will have for the remainder of the 2025/2026 season. Uncertainty is high now that the validity of so many duels is at stake.