Dutch referee Bas Nijhuis faces doubts over his return to officiating after a fresh ankle injury forced him to miss a mandatory fitness test, analyst Valentijn Driessen reported. The 49-year-old official has been sidelined due to an Achilles tendon injury and hoped to make his comeback over the weekend. Instead, a sprained ankle keeps him off the pitch, leaving analysts and colleagues questioning his career on the field.

Missed Fitness Milestone Derails Comeback

Nijhuis had indicated in media appearances just a week prior that his return to refereeing was nearly complete. However, the physical milestone required by the KNVB—a standard condition test—remained unfulfilled when he turned his ankle during the week. Presenter Wilfred Genee explained on the online discussion segment In de Wandelgangen that Nijhuis contends with a weak ankle. Because of the fresh setback, the referee received no match assignments for the past weekend and will sit out the upcoming league round as well.

Visible Decline Sparks Concern Among Analysts

The physical setbacks have fueled speculation among media personalities about the long-term viability of Nijhuis’s career. Driessen voiced concern on In de Wandelgangen, noting that the official’s mobility has visibly deteriorated. According to Driessen, Nijhuis no longer mimics match situations in the locker room and currently walks with a noticeable limp. While Genee countered that Nijhuis still possesses strong officiating qualities and a deep desire to referee, the commentators noted the physical toll of his ongoing injuries.

Refusal of VAR Assignment Points to Final Departure

Discussions surrounding Nijhuis’s future also touched upon alternative roles. Panelists noted that the referee holds no interest in transitioning to a Video Assistant Referee position. Consequently, if his physical condition prevents him from returning to the pitch as an on-field arbiter, it would spell a conclusion to his active career on the grass. The panel concluded the segment by emphasizing that such an end would be an unfortunate departure for an official who still wants to participate actively on the field.

Behind the Scenes and Television Appearances

Aside from his refereeing career, Nijhuis recently hosted presenter Wilfred Genee at his home for the upcoming SBS 6 program Vier Linkerhanden, which begins airing on Sunday, November 1. Genee described the referee’s property as a vast estate where he lives as a large landowners with various animals roaming across the distant grounds. During filming for the new show, in which the presenter spends a day doing odd jobs alongside public figures, Nijhuis proved to be the funniest guest thus far. Genee remarked that the referee was exceptionally quick-witted and humorous, stating that he could not stop laughing and felt like Gerard Joling during the recording session.