The Dutch professional footballers’ union, VVCS, has strongly criticised Ajax Amsterdam for what it described as “improper employment practices” after the club abruptly informed seven players, including Nigerian-eligible forward Chuba Akpom, that they were no longer part of the club’s plans — via a WhatsApp message.
According to PUNCH Sports Extra, the VVCS condemned the manner in which the players were sidelined without prior in-person discussions, describing it as both unprofessional and damaging to the reputations of those involved.
“The VVCS is surprised by the ban imposed on seven Ajax players under contract,” the union said in a statement. “These players are being explicitly isolated from their first-team colleagues. The VVCS considers this a form of improper employment and unnecessary public damage to players who bear no responsibility for the situation that has arisen.”
The union blamed the chaos on the failed policies of former sporting director Sven Mislintat, under whose tenure the sidelined players were signed.
Akpom Among Seven Marginalised in Squad Overhaul
Among those affected is 29-year-old Akpom, who joined Ajax from Middlesbrough in 2023 for €12 million after a standout season in the English Championship. Despite scoring nine goals in his debut season, he struggled for consistent game time and was loaned to French side Lille, where he impressed with 37 goals and eight assists in 41 matches, helping the club to a domestic double.
Akpom, born in London to Nigerian parents, has declared interest in representing Nigeria but has yet to be capped by the Super Eagles. He rose through the ranks at Arsenal and had spells at clubs including Hull City, PAOK, and Middlesbrough before moving to the Netherlands.
WhatsApp Dismissal Sparks Backlash
Dutch outlet De Telegraaf reported that Ajax’s technical director, Alex Kroes, informed Akpom and six other players — Carlos Forbs, Kristian Hlynsson, Christian Rasmussen, Jay Gorter, Branco van den Boomen, and Borna Sosa — via a WhatsApp group chat that they were no longer welcome in the first team. The players were instructed to find new clubs, with newly appointed head coach John Heitinga set to begin pre-season preparations without them.
Further reports revealed that the sidelined players have been denied access to club facilities during regular training hours. They are only permitted to use the gym and training grounds after the first team finishes, and their vehicles have also been barred from designated parking areas for senior players and staff. To compound matters, just one physiotherapist has been assigned to attend to all seven players.
Fallout from a Turbulent Season
Ajax’s drastic measures come in the wake of a disappointing Eredivisie campaign, which saw them lose a seven-point lead and ultimately concede the title to PSV Eindhoven. Head coach Francesco Farioli resigned in the aftermath, citing disagreements with the club’s vision. Former Ajax defender and Dutch international Johnny Heitinga has since been appointed head coach, signing a contract through to 2027.
The treatment of Akpom and his colleagues has sparked debate across Dutch football, with the VVCS demanding better standards of professionalism and accountability from one of the country’s most storied clubs.
