Reiziger defends KNVB over Oufkir criticism: 'We have not been asleep'

Reiziger defends the KNVB's efforts to retain dual-national players after Oufkir chose Morocco, saying the federation has actively worked on the issue despite limited options.

Michael Reiziger has pushed back against criticism of the KNVB's handling of Ayoub Oufkir's international switch to Morocco, insisting the Dutch federation has not been passive on the issue of retaining dual-national talent.

Technical director Nigel de Jong visited Oufkir in Alkmaar to discuss his choice, but the 20-year-old forward ultimately opted for Morocco. Reiziger acknowledged the disappointment but defended the KNVB's approach, noting that player retention has been a priority since his first meeting with the federation.

Reiziger argued that the KNVB succeeds in keeping some dual-national players but those cases receive less attention than the losses. He also pointed out that other nations face the same challenge and that some countries are more aggressive in their recruitment precisely because they don't need to scout domestically.

He questioned where the line should be drawn: whether to give dual-national players extra attention risks neglecting those with single nationality. The balance, he insisted, must not tip too far in either direction.