The Dutch football association will sue for discrimination after the exit of the World Cup | World Cup 2026

The Netherlands’ penalty shootout loss to Morocco led to more abuse of the Black players.

The Dutch Football Association (KNVB) has filed a complaint with the public prosecutor over racist messages sent on social media as the country exits the World Cup.

The defeat of Oranje in Morocco in a penalty shootout On Monday it started a series of online abuse that was directed mainly at Black Dutch players.

The KNVB said on Friday it had transferred the messages to the public prosecutor’s office for further investigation.

“Unfortunately, it is not possible to be complete and identify and build any discrimination, but the KNVB wants to send a clear signal,” the association said.

“There are limits, and there are consequences for those who break those limits.”

The three-time finalists lost on penalties to Morocco in Monday’s Round of 32 match in the Mexican city of Monterrey following a 1-1 draw.

The three players who missed the penalty, Justin Kluivert, Quinten Timber and Crysencio Summerville, were subjected to “discrimination and racism” online after the game, according to the KNVB.

Premier Rob Jetten told reporters earlier on Friday that he hoped the whistleblowers would continue to take steps to make an example.

What happened after the 32nd game is “unacceptable”, said Jetten.

“Sometimes they are ‘our boys,’ and if they wear orange shirts we don’t see their color.” Then when someone misses a penalty, games come out of every corner,” added the prime minister.