Edwin van der Sar has officially stepped down from his role as CEO of Ajax, bringing an end to his nearly eleven-year tenure at the club.
Van der Sar’s departure comes in the wake of disappointment and frustration among fans, with Ajax experiencing a season without Champions League participation for the first time since 2009.
During Ajax’s final home game against Utrecht, Van der Sar faced the disappointment of being booed by the fans. The subsequent loss to Twente on Sunday further deepened the frustration, cementing Ajax’s absence from Europe’s elite competition.
In a statement, Van der Sar expressed his decision, saying, “After almost eleven years on the board, I am done. We have experienced wonderful things together, but it has also been an incredibly tough period.” His departure marks the end of an era, during which Ajax achieved remarkable success while also facing significant challenges.
Van der Sar’s time as CEO saw Ajax flourish on the domestic and European stage, with the club winning multiple Eredivisie titles and making impressive runs in the Champions League, including reaching the semi-finals in the 2018-2019 season. However, the recent season’s disappointment and the absence of Champions League football have taken a toll.
The discontent among fans, evident in the booing during the final home game, likely played a role in Van der Sar’s decision. Ajax supporters have high expectations for the club, and the failure to secure a Champions League spot undoubtedly added to their frustration.
As Ajax bids farewell to Van der Sar, the club will now look to find a suitable replacement to guide them forward. His departure marks the end of a significant chapter in Ajax’s history, and the next CEO will have the responsibility of navigating the challenges and aspirations of one of Europe’s esteemed clubs.