Dirk Scheringa has resigned as chairman of defending Eredivisie champions AZ Alkmaar.
Scheringa stands down at DSB Stadion after 16 years
Dirk Scheringa has resigned as chairman of defending Eredivisie champions AZ Alkmaar.
The 59-year-old took up his role at DSB Stadion in 1993, with the highlight of his tenure coming in the form of last season's league title win.
However, Scheringa, who has invested heavily in AZ, has taken the tough decision to walk away from the club amid reports that his bank, DSB, is struggling.
He told AZ's
official website: "I've been running the club as chairman for 16 years and I've put my heart and soul into AZ.
Emotional ties
"There are obviously strong emotional ties with the club, the board of directors, the club officials and supporters, built up over those 16 years.
"It's a tough decision but nobody is bigger than the club. It has been a tremendous honour to serve as chairman of AZ. I hope AZ will continue their rise to the top."
General director Toon Gerbrands said: "The board of AZ directors have mixed feelings about Dirk Scheringa's decision to step down as AZ chairman.
"We wish to express our gratitude to Dirk for his outstanding contributions as chairman. Dirk's resignation means the end of a very successful era.
"We respect his decision, though, and feel it is in the best interests of everyone under the given circumstances."
