The fact that Alex Kroes can again be of significance for Ajax in the position of technical director does not mean that administrative calm has returned. At least that is what AFCA Supporters Club writes in a message on Facebook. The supporters’ association believes that commissioners Michael van Praag and Leo van Wijk should keep the honor to themselves. “Van Praag and Van Wijk, be worthy honorary members of Ajax and keep your agreement. Let yourself be replaced very quickly by new commissioners and thus usher in a new Ajax era.”
Kroes’ appointment gave Ajax hope and the new general manager immediately tackled important matters upon his start, such as the composition of the selection and the position of head coach. But the peace in Amsterdam quickly disappeared. The supervisory board (SB) suspended Kroes with immediate effect because he was allegedly guilty of insider trading. Van Praag, honorary chairman, closed the door on Kroes’ return on the same day. It was clear to Van Praag: the marriage between Ajax and Kroes was over.
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The attitude of the chairman of the supervisory board regarding Kroes’ suspension came under a lot of criticism. Not only from F-Side and other fanatical supporter groups, the members were also unhappy with the state of affairs. The board of directors, major shareholder at Ajax, appealed to Van Praag to consider a return of Kroes ‘in any position’ and ‘under any conditions’. Kroes returned. Not as general manager, but as technical director. But according to AFCA Supporters Club, this does not mean that peace has been restored. “Van Praag and Van Wijk will remain firmly in their positions as supervisory directors within the supervisory board. While their task is clear: create administrative calm, find good successors and quickly resign. There is not a word of Spanish here”that’s what it sounds like.
On October 2, 2023, Van Praag said in the presence of a delegation from the board of directors to the supporters’ association that his appointment would be ‘temporary’. “After all the events of the past few months, it seems like the right time to give substance to the word ‘temporary’. That is why we once again ask Van Praag and Van Wijk to quickly replace themselves with new commissioners who suit the Ajax of tomorrow. Preferably before the start of the new season, so that you can build a new future in peace.” According to AFCA Supporters Club, Van Praag and Van Dijk are ‘synonymous with the old Ajax’ and they ‘stand in the way’ of Ajax’s development. “Just like an older football player hinders the development of a young football player.”
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