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Edwin van der Sar steps down as Ajax CEO.
Ajax have revealed that Edwin van der Sar will leave his role as chief executive officer of the club this summer.
The former goalkeeper for Fulham and Manchester United joined Ajax’s marketing staff in 2012 and quickly rose through the ranks. He was impressed with his work in the background and attracted attention with rumours of a reunion with United, his previous employers.
Van der Sar was hotly pursued by United last summer when they were looking for a new sports director, but the Dutchman said he could not accept the position since he was “not finished” with Ajax.
Van der Sar has already acknowledged that he is ready to leave Ajax and will take up his responsibilities in June, though the former goalkeeper has promised to stay on until August 1 to aid in the transition to new leadership.
“After almost eleven years on the board, I am done,” Van der Sar said. “We have experienced wonderful things together, but it has also been an incredibly tough period. I am very grateful for the people I have met and worked with during my second career at Ajax, and what we have achieved and been through together.
“I feel the need to take some distance, to get some rest, and to do other things. It doesn’t feel good to take decisions about the future of this wonderful club in the coming period. That is why I have decided to resign.”
Board member Pier Eringa added: “We wanted Edwin to stay, but he had made his decision. We have to respect that. The last season does not reflect the entire period that he has been in charge of Ajax. The club has seen a lot of success, has seen a lot of growth, and gained international exposure. His tasks will be transferred to the remaining members of the board. Edwin will be available for the transfer and advise until August. We expect to announce a new Board of Directors after August 1. It’s our ambition to add someone to the board with an Ajax background.”
Van der Sar, who worked with United boss Erik ten Hag at Ajax, has spoken openly of his admiration for the manager.
“He’s relentless, he wants to achieve as much as possible,” Van der Sar told The Times last year. “The training exercises, the way he wants to play.
“Of course we tried to persuade him to stay, but Erik is someone who knows what he wants and the direction he wants to go. The moment United made their approach, it was obvious it was a big challenge for him and that he wanted to take it.”
Thanks for everything, Edwin ♥️
You embraced the role of CEO with the same vision that defined your days as a player. We are forever grateful for that. Once an Ajax legend, always an Ajax legend.
— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) May 30, 2023