The Eredivisie is being shaken by a major passport row that could lead to the replay of no fewer than 133 matches, a situation directly impacting N.E.C. Nijmegen. The unrest arose from confusion over dual nationality rules in Holland, with far-reaching consequences for multiple players and clubs.

At the heart of the issue is Dutch law, which automatically revokes a person’s Dutch citizenship if they voluntarily acquire another nationality. Many players were unaware that representing their ancestral homelands would mean they would no longer be considered EU citizens.

The problem was brought to light after NAC Breda was thumped 6-0 by Go Ahead Eagles on March 15. On the popular "De Derde Helft" podcast, analyst Rogier Jacobs claimed Breda could still win the match, believing that Go Ahead Eagles full-back Dean James was ineligible.

This uncertainty regarding player eligibility has also affected N.E.C. Nijmegen. Tjaronn Chery, a player for the Nijmegen club, was left at home while his work status was being figured out, highlighting the direct impact of the passport issue on individual players and their respective clubs.

Panic has erupted across the Dutch football landscape. The prospect of 133 Eredivisie matches potentially needing to be replayed is considered a "very big deal" that severely threatens the integrity of the league and the season's results.