Sports · Football · 5 hrs ago
NAC review clears Pierre van Hooijdonk over son’s transfer
NAC’s administrative foundation cleared Pierre van Hooijdonk of a conflict of interest over his son’s transfer.
Pierre was a technical adviser at the Dutch football club in Breda when Sydney moved to Portugal’s Estrela on a free transfer in January.
The claims followed a report that Pierre had helped his son secure a good move while doing less to earn money for NAC.
The review found the transfer decision followed proper procedures, after an internal investigation and an external assessment.
The controversy drew criticism from supporters, and Pierre left NAC in early May.
The foundation recommended a formal recusal protocol for staff when a possible conflict of interest arises.
Sydney now plays on loan for PEC Zwolle.
NAC’s administrative office cleared technical adviser Pierre van Hooijdonk of a conflict of interest over his son Sydney’s transfer to Portugal’s Estrela.
The review found that the decision to let Sydney leave NAC on a free transfer followed the correct procedures.
The allegations followed a report by Voetbal International about the transfer in January.
Van Hooijdonk left NAC in early May amid the controversy.
The review recommended a formal protocol for officials to step out of decision-making when a possible conflict of interest arises.
- Who
- NAC’s administrative office (STAK) reviewed Pierre van Hooijdonk’s role in his son Sydney’s transfer.
- What
- The STAK cleared Van Hooijdonk of a conflict of interest and found the free transfer followed the correct procedures.
- When
- The transfer took place in January; the STAK announced its conclusion on October 24, 2026.
- Where
- NAC, in Breda, the Netherlands; Sydney transferred to Estrela in Portugal.
- Why
- The review followed allegations that Van Hooijdonk’s role in his son’s transfer involved a conflict of interest.
Critics alleging a conflict of interest
NAC’s STAK
Van Hooijdonk’s role
Critics alleging a conflict of interest
Critics alleged he helped his son secure a good transfer and was less forceful in negotiations to help NAC earn money.
NAC’s STAK
The STAK concluded the transfer decision followed the correct procedures.
Assessment
Critics alleging a conflict of interest
The allegations followed a report by Voetbal International and prompted criticism from NAC supporters.
NAC’s STAK
The STAK said its internal investigation and external assessment found no conflict of interest.
Sydney van Hooijdonk left NAC on a free transfer to Portugal’s Estrela.
Pierre van Hooijdonk left NAC amid the controversy.
NAC’s STAK announced that it had cleared Van Hooijdonk and recommended a formal protocol for handling potential conflicts of interest.
- Review body
- Stichting Administratiekantoor (STAK) of NAC
- Transfer destination
- Estrela, Portugal
- Transfer terms
- Sydney van Hooijdonk left NAC on a free transfer
- Review conclusion
- The transfer decision followed the correct procedures
- Recommendation
- Establish a protocol for officials to formally withdraw from decision-making when a possible conflict of interest arises
3 sources
What people are saying
I make this decision knowing that I have always acted in good faith and in the interests of NAC