A Dutch court has ruled in favor of the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) in a case involving NAC Breda's 6-0 defeat against Go Ahead Eagles. The club contested the match after defender Dean James became ineligible upon obtaining Indonesian citizenship in March 2025, which under Dutch dual citizenship rules made him a non-EU foreign player requiring a work permit.

The KNVB successfully argued neither club nor authorities knew of the implications when James switched allegiance. Had the decision gone NAC's way, over 200 matches across Dutch football's top two tiers could have faced similar legal challenges, including 133 Eredivisie fixtures. The court confirmed the league board acted diligently according to applicable rules.

NAC Breda currently sits 17th in the Eredivisie, six points from safety with two matches remaining. The decision prevents a potential flood of appeals across Dutch football, though the club's relegation battle continues without the possibility of replaying the controversial loss to Go Ahead Eagles.