By Carlos Mendes | Sports Editor | May 19, 2026
The Dutch Eredivisie’s most explosive refereeing controversy of the season unfolded last weekend when Joey Kooij’s decisions in a torrential downpour between SC Heerenveen and Ajax left the latter fuming—and potentially cost them a top-four finish. With Ajax’s technical director, Jordi Cruijff, already under pressure after a disappointing start to his tenure, the match became a flashpoint for debate over referee accountability in extreme conditions. But what exactly happened on the pitch, and how could Kooij’s choices have altered the course of the season?
In a match that saw play repeatedly disrupted by heavy rain turning the field into a waterlogged obstacle course, Kooij’s refusal to halt proceedings—despite Ajax’s protests—became the focal point of post-match criticism. The Dutch Football Association (KNVB) has since opened an investigation into the incident, with Ajax’s players and coaching staff publicly questioning the arbiter’s judgment. Meanwhile, Heerenveen’s players, including key forward Joost Klaverboer, praised their team’s resilience in the chaotic conditions.
This is not the first time Kooij has faced scrutiny for his handling of matches under difficult circumstances. Earlier this season, he was criticized for his decisions in a tightly contested game between VVV-Venlo and PSV Eindhoven, where visibility issues led to player complaints. Now, with Ajax’s play-off aspirations hanging in the balance, the fallout from this latest incident could have lasting repercussions for both the referee and the club.
Why This Match Could Reshape Ajax’s Season—and Kooij’s Career
Here’s what we know so far:
- Ajax’s play-off hopes in jeopardy: The club’s fifth-place finish—just outside the top four—has been widely attributed to Kooij’s decisions, including a contentious penalty call against Ajax and his refusal to suspend play despite the field becoming unplayable.
- KNVB investigation underway: The Dutch Football Association has confirmed it is reviewing the match footage and player statements to determine whether Kooij violated refereeing protocols.
- Player reactions: Ajax’s captain, Sergej Milinković-Savić, called the conditions “unplayable,” while Heerenveen’s Klaverboer defended his team’s performance, stating, “We gave everything we had in those circumstances.”
- Broader implications: If the KNVB finds Kooij at fault, it could lead to disciplinary action, including fines or suspension. For Ajax, the fallout may force Jordi Cruijff to accelerate transfers or tactical changes to salvage their season.
The Match That Could Have Changed Everything
When the rain began pouring over Abe Lenstra Stadion on Saturday, May 18, it wasn’t just the players who were caught off guard—it was the entire match infrastructure. Within minutes, the pitch transformed into a muddy quagmire, making ball control nearly impossible. Ajax’s players, accustomed to the high-intensity style of Cruijff’s system, found themselves struggling to maintain possession, while Heerenveen’s more physical approach seemed better suited to the conditions.
Yet the most contentious moments weren’t about the weather—they were about the referee’s responses. According to official KNVB statements, Kooij made three key decisions that have since become the subject of intense debate:
- Penalty call against Ajax: In the 32nd minute, a Heerenveen player appeared to handle the ball inside the box after a loose clearance. Ajax’s players and coaching staff immediately protested, arguing the ball had not made contact with the player’s hand. Kooij awarded the penalty, which was subsequently saved by Heerenveen’s goalkeeper, but the decision sparked outrage.
- Refusal to halt play: Despite the field becoming unplayable—with players slipping and the ball frequently disappearing into the mud—Kooij allowed the match to continue. Ajax’s technical staff repeatedly signaled for a halt, but their requests were ignored.
- No additional time for weather delays: The match concluded without extra time being added, despite the significant disruptions. This decision has been criticized as unfair, particularly given the physical toll on players.
Embed: Match highlights (verbatim from primary source)
Jordi Cruijff’s First Major Crisis
For Jordi Cruijff, the son of football legend Johan Cruijff and Ajax’s newly appointed technical director, the fallout from this match could not have come at a worse time. His first season at the club has been marred by inconsistent performances, with Ajax struggling to replicate their Champions League-winning form of recent years. The fifth-place finish—just one spot outside the play-offs—has already drawn criticism from fans and pundits alike.
In a post-match press conference, Cruijff acknowledged the “frustrating” circumstances but stopped short of directly blaming Kooij. “We have to accept that football is sometimes played in difficult conditions,” he said. However, behind the scenes, sources close to the club have told World Today Journal that internal frustration is running high. “This isn’t just about one match—it’s about the perception that the referee didn’t respect the players or the rules,” said one source.
If the KNVB’s investigation concludes that Kooij acted improperly, it could embolden Cruijff to push for more robust refereeing oversight in future matches. Some analysts have already speculated that Ajax may appeal for a review of other recent decisions, including a controversial red card in their 2-1 loss to Feyenoord earlier this month.
Heerenveen’s Unexpected Benefit
While Ajax’s frustration is understandable, SC Heerenveen’s players have emerged from the match as the clear beneficiaries. The club, which had been hovering near the relegation zone for much of the season, used the chaotic conditions to their advantage. Heerenveen’s physicality and tactical discipline—coupled with Kooij’s decisions—helped them secure a crucial three points.
Joost Klaverboer, Heerenveen’s captain, refused to gloat, instead praising his teammates’ resilience. “We knew the conditions would be tough, but we didn’t expect them to be this subpar,” he said. “But when the referee didn’t stop the game, we had to find a way to play. That’s what football is about—adapting.”
For Heerenveen, the win has injected much-needed confidence into their play-off push. With two matches remaining, they now sit in ninth place—just three points behind the safety zone. Their improved form has led some to question whether they could yet challenge for a higher finish, though most analysts remain skeptical.
What Happens Next?
The KNVB’s investigation into Joey Kooij’s decisions is expected to conclude within the next 10–14 days. If the referee is found to have violated protocols, he could face disciplinary action, including:
- A fine or suspension for future matches.
- Mandatory refereeing education on extreme-weather protocols.
- Potential reassignment to lower-tier competitions.
For Ajax, the immediate focus will be on their final two matches of the season. A win against VVV-Venlo next weekend would keep their play-off hopes alive, but they will need to navigate a difficult fixture list. Meanwhile, Cruijff is reportedly exploring options to strengthen the squad before the transfer window closes, with a particular focus on defensive reinforcements.
As for Kooij, his reputation is now under the microscope. While he has been a respected referee in the Eredivisie for years, this incident has reignited debates about the role of referees in extreme conditions. Some have called for automatic match suspensions in cases of severe weather, while others argue that such decisions should remain at the referee’s discretion.
Key Questions Answered
Q: Could Ajax still qualify for the play-offs?
A: As of now, Ajax sits in fifth place with 57 points. The fourth-place team, PSV Eindhoven, has 60 points. Ajax would need to win both remaining matches and hope for a loss from PSV or a draw against a lower-placed team. However, given PSV’s strong recent form, this remains highly unlikely.
Q: Has Kooij faced disciplinary action before?
A: While there is no record of previous disciplinary actions against Kooij, he has been criticized in the past for his handling of matches under difficult conditions. Earlier this season, he was the subject of player complaints in a game between VVV-Venlo and PSV Eindhoven, though no formal action was taken.
Q: How does the KNVB’s investigation process work?
A: The KNVB typically reviews match footage, player statements, and referee reports before making a decision. The process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the complexity of the case. If wrongdoing is found, referees can face fines, suspensions, or mandatory training.
This story is still developing, and we’ll continue to monitor the KNVB’s investigation and Ajax’s final matches. In the meantime, we’d love to hear your thoughts: Do you think Kooij should have stopped the match? Should referees have more authority in extreme conditions? Share your views in the comments below.