New Delhi: The Dutch Football Association (KNVB) has filed a complaint with the public prosecutor after several Netherlands players were targeted with racist
abuse on social media following the country’s FIFA World Cup exit.
The Netherlands were knocked out of the tournament after losing to Morocco in a penalty shoot-out in the Round of 32. The match ended 1-1 before Morocco held their nerve from the spot in Monterrey to secure a place in the next round.
Following the defeat, racist messages were directed at a number of Dutch players, prompting the KNVB to take legal action.
KNVB sends strong message
In a statement, the Dutch Football Association confirmed that it had gathered the abusive messages and passed them on to the public prosecutor for further investigation.
“Unfortunately, it is never possible to be complete and to detect and arrest every racist reaction, but the KNVB wants to send a very clear signal,” the association said.
“There are limits and there are consequences for those who violate those limits.” According to the KNVB, Justin Kluivert, Quinten Timber and Crysencio Summerville, who all missed penalties during the shoot-out, were among those subjected to racist and discriminatory abuse online after the match.
De KNVB doet aangifte van groepsbelediging tegen personen die zich online racistisch hebben uitgelaten over het Nederlands elftal. ⬇️https://t.co/sHWqOAtwqm
— KNVB (@KNVB) July 3, 2026
Dutch Prime Minister condemns abuse
Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten also criticised the online attacks and said he expects prosecutors to take action against those responsible.
“What happened after the Round of 32 match was, of course, completely unacceptable,” Jetten told reporters.
“One moment they are ‘our boys’ and we don’t see their colour when they are wearing an orange shirt. Then when someone misses a penalty, vitriol pours out from every corner.”
The Dutch government’s response adds further support to the KNVB’s efforts to tackle racism in football and hold those behind the abuse accountable.
The incident has once again highlighted the growing problem of online abuse faced by footballers, with the Dutch FA making it clear that racist behaviour will not be ignored and that those responsible should face legal consequences.
