Edwin van der Sar has resigned from his role as Ajax chief executive.
The 52-year-old faced criticism after Ajax recorded their worst Eredivisie finish since 2009 during the 2022-23 campaign.
The club failed to win a trophy and missed out on Champions League qualification after ending the season in third, 13 points behind league champions Feyenoord.
Van der Sar will formally remain in his position until August 1.
“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.”
Van der Sar has been part of Ajax’s board of directors since November 2012, having retired from playing the previous year.
He was initially the club’s director of marketing and had held the role of chief executive since 2016.
Ajax won three Eredivisie titles and reached the Champions League semi-finals during Van der Sar’s time as chief executive.
However, the former Manchester United goalkeeper came in for criticism over the last 18 months following the handling of director of football Marc Overmars’ departure and head coach Erik ten Hag’s exit.
Van der Sar was booed by supporters at the Johan Cruijff Arena ahead of Ajax’s final home game of the season against Utrecht earlier in May as he took to the pitch to pay tribute to departing assistant coach Michael Reiziger and goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg.
“We wanted Edwin to stay, but he had made his decision. We have to respect that,” said supervisory board chair Pier Eringa. “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.”
