N.E.C. Nijmegen is grappling with the fallout of a massive passport row threatening to force the Eredivisie to replay at least 133 matches. The Dutch football league has been thrown into disarray over confusion surrounding dual nationality rules, directly impacting players like N.E.C.'s Tjaronn Chery.

The core of the issue stems from Dutch law, which automatically revokes a person’s citizenship if they voluntarily acquire another nationality. Many professional footballers, often representing their ancestral homelands, were reportedly unaware that this action would strip them of their EU citizen status, rendering them potentially ineligible to play in Holland.

The widespread panic escalated following a specific Eredivisie match on March 15, where NAC Breda suffered a 6-0 defeat against Go Ahead Eagles. The incident gained significant traction after analyst Rogier Jacobs, during an episode of the popular "De Derde Helft" podcast, controversially suggested that NAC Breda could still win the match.

Jacobs' claim was based on his belief that Go Ahead Eagles full-back Dean James was ineligible to play due to the aforementioned citizenship issues. This revelation brought the simmering problem to the forefront, catching the attention of fans, players, and administrators alike who listen to the podcast.

For N.E.C. Nijmegen, the immediate impact was seen with Tjaronn Chery, who was notably left out of the squad while the club worked to clarify his work status and eligibility. This highlights the uncertainty now facing numerous clubs and players across the Eredivisie as they navigate the complex legal landscape.

The potential for 133 matches to be replayed represents a "very big deal" for the Eredivisie, promising significant logistical and sporting challenges. The KNVB, the governing body, will need to address this unprecedented situation to restore clarity and fairness to the Dutch top flight.