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The Dutch Football Association (KNVB) has filed an official complaint with the Netherlands' Public Prosecutor following a wave of racist abuse on social media targeting several players after their World Cup 2026 exit against Morocco.
The Netherlands' loss to Morocco in the Round of 16 of the tournament triggered a barrage of attacks against some of the footballers. The match, played in Monterrey, Mexico, ended in a 1-1 draw, with the winner decided by a penalty shootout where the Dutch side lost 3-2.
According to the KNVB, the three players who missed their penalties – Justin Kluivert, Quinten Timber, and Crysencio Summerville – became targets of "racist and discriminatory" insults on social media after the game.
In a statement, the federation emphasized its firm stance against such behavior.
"Unfortunately, it's never possible to track, identify, and sanction every racist reaction, but the KNVB wants to send a very clear signal: there are limits, and those who cross them will face consequences," the statement read.
The backlash even reached the highest levels of government. Premier Rob Jetten described the events as "unacceptable" during a press conference. "At one moment, they are our boys, and supposedly we are all indifferent to skin color when someone wears an orange jersey. But as soon as someone misses a penalty, the insults come from everywhere," he lamented.
The head of the Dutch government also expressed his expectation for authorities to act decisively. "I assume the Public Prosecutor's Office will indeed initiate proceedings to set a very clear example," he stated, adding that discrimination and racism continue to be "the order of the day" in the Netherlands.
"It's shocking to see such comments again. This is completely unacceptable. At the KNVB, we advocate for a safe and fair environment for everyone in football. There is no place for racism and discrimination. This type of criminal behavior must be severely punished," the organization stressed.
The federation further revealed that it has already filed a complaint with the police authorities regarding the comments made.
All 104 matches of the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico can be watched live on bnt.sportal.bg.
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