Ajax board offer to resign
The long-running saga over control at Ajax took another twist as the board of directors, including legend Johan Cruyff, offered to resign.
Last Updated: 09/02/12 3:32pm
The long-running saga over control at Ajax took another twist as the board of directors, including legend Johan Cruyff, offered to resign.
News comes after a Dutch court ruled against the appointment of Louis van Gaal as the club's general manager earlier this week.
Former Dutch forward Cruyff had been opposed to the appointment which was made by the other four members of the board, behind his back and without consent.
Ajax released a club statement on Thursday following the ruling that all five of the boards would leave 'in the shortest possible term, once suitable replacements have been found that can count on broad support'.
Uncertainty
Despite offering to resign from the club Cruyff's future is somewhat uncertain, with the court ruling finding in his favour on Tuesday.
The club works under a Byzantine structure which leaves responsibility for the compilation of a new board with Hennie Henrich, who is a self-proclaimed Cruyff supporter.
While there is speculation over Cruyff's future his opponents in the Louis van Gaal spat, Martin Sturkenboom and technical trainer Danny Blind, have revealed they will make an immediate departure from the club.
Former Ajax player and coach Blind admitted that his future at the club had been 'tied to the possible arrival of Louis van Gaal'.
Influential
"Now that that's not happening, I cannot and I will not continue."
Van Gaal had coached at Ajax before taking a young team to the UEFA Champions League final in 1995 and bringing home the silverware.
However, the 60-year-old fell out with Cruyff during their time at Barcelona and with the Ajax legend remaining a highly influential figure at the club, it is unlikely Van Gaal will have a chance of returning.
Inconsistency in the boardroom has reflected the on-field form of the club, with Ajax sat sixth in the Eredivisie as they struggle to defend their league crown.
