Union Blasts Ajax Over Akpom Sidelining

The Dutch players’ union, VVCS, has strongly condemned Ajax for its handling of Chuba Akpom‘s situation and six other players who were informed via WhatsApp that they are no longer welcome at the club.

The union described this practice as “improper employment” and expressed outrage over the treatment of the players, who were excluded from first-team activities without prior physical consultation.

“The VVCS is surprised by the ban imposed on seven Ajax players under contract,” the union stated. “These players are being explicitly isolated from their colleagues in the first team.

The VVCS considers this to be a form of improper employment and unnecessary public damage to players who bear no responsibility for the situation that has arisen.” The union believes that the players are victims of Ajax’s misguided policy, which gave former sporting director Sven Mislintat free rein.

Akpom, a 29-year-old striker, recently returned from a loan spell with French Ligue 1 side Lille and was one of several high-profile names axed as Ajax begins a squad overhaul ahead of the new season.

According to De Telegraaf, Ajax technical director Alex Kroes informed the players through a WhatsApp group chat that they were no longer in the club’s plans and should begin searching for new clubs.

The players have been subjected to restrictive measures, including being denied access to club facilities during regular team hours. They are now only permitted to use the training pitch and gym after the first team has completed their sessions.

Additionally, their cars are no longer allowed to park in designated areas reserved for the first team and technical staff, and only one physiotherapist has been assigned to attend to all seven sidelined players.

Akpom joined Ajax from Middlesbrough in 2023 following a standout season in the English Championship. Despite scoring nine goals in his debut season in Amsterdam, Akpom struggled for consistent game time and was loaned to Lille in early 2024. His exclusion from Ajax’s plans, communicated via a WhatsApp message, adds to the chaotic nature of his time at the club.

Ajax’s decision comes after a dismal campaign that saw them blow a seven-point lead to lose the Eredivisie title to PSV Eindhoven.

Former head coach Francesco Farioli resigned, citing differing visions with management, and Johnny Heitinga has since been appointed as head coach, signing a contract until 2027.

In light of the controversy, Ajax is reportedly ready to listen to offers for Akpom this summer as part of their squad rebuild. Akpom’s future at Ajax has been thrown into uncertainty, and it remains to be seen how this situation will unfold.