DOETS WARNED AGAINST SWEDEN SWITCH FOR WORLD CUP
25/05/2026 By Aaron Nijjar
KEVIN DOETS should NOT switch allegiances to Sweden to play in the World Cup, according to Vincent van der Voort.
The Dutch star currently lives in the Scandinavian nation and is considering representing them in the future because of the fierce competition for places in the Netherlands side.
Holland are currently represented by world No.4 Michael van Gerwen and world No.3 Gian van Veen, while Danny Noppert and Wessel Nijman also sit above Doets in the Order of Merit.
But former pro Van der Voort believes players should represent their country of birth rather than switch nations for an easier route into the tournament.
He told the Darts Draait Door Podcast: “The competition is murderous every year in the Netherlands.
“To overtake all of them, that is pretty difficult.
“So yes, if you really want to play that World Cup, then playing for Sweden is of course better.
“I understand it. You live there. But I just think that if you are Dutch, then you should play for the Netherlands.”
Van der Voort warned international darts risks losing its identity if more players start representing different countries.
The former UK Open finalist pointed to Jeffrey de Graaf — another Dutch-born player who now plays for Sweden — as an example.
He added: “When I see Sweden playing with Jeffrey de Graaf and Kevin Doets, yes, to me, they are not Swedes.
“You want other countries to bring through their own talents.
“That stagnates if more and more players start playing for another country.”
The discussion came during a wider debate around the international balance at the top of darts after this year’s Premier League finals night featured only British players in the semi-finals.
Luke Littler and Luke Humphries qualified after finishing first and third respectively, while Welsh duo Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton also booked their spots at the O2.
Van der Voort believes the sport remains heavily centred around England and said: “Of course you would rather have a few more nationalities in there.
“But this year, it just wasn’t there. It is still quite English and it will probably stay that way.
“A lot is played outside England, but generally they are Euro Tours or World Series events.
“And those are not ranking events.”
Image by Taylor Lanning.
