One thing is clear, the board is dissatisfied with the way Kroes has been sidelined. The way in which the Supervisory Board conducted the investigation into the possible conflict of interest of former technical director Sven Mislintat is also under discussion. That research was never made public; even the board of directors was unable to read it.
From agenda
A new chapter can be added to the story of the power struggle at Ajax during tonight’s meeting. All main characters will appear on De Toekomst: from Michael van Praag to Alex Kroes.
Michael van Praag is the first to speak. He is expected to stick to his position and will mainly explain why he believes there is no way back for Kroes, but in theory he can also change his decision.
Afterwards, Ernst Boekhorst, as chairman of the board, will most likely explain why he wants the Supervisory Board to reverse the decision. Finally, the members of Ajax present will have their say. One of those present is none other than Alex Kroes himself.
Kroes himself has responded once on his suspension, but has now been silent for more than three weeks. When he steps behind the microphone, it is the first time in a long time that he has spoken out about the situation.
About the scenario
If the Supervisory Board and the Board of Directors cannot reach an agreement (and that chance is high), then the question is what the Board of Directors will do. One scenario is that the board of directors formally withdraws its confidence in the Supervisory Board: something that has come to be called the ‘nuclear option’ within Ajax.
Because with the blowing up of that administrative branch, the future of the club will partly be in the hands of the Enterprise Chamber (part of the Amsterdam court), which in that scenario must appoint the new members of the Supervisory Board.
If the Supervisory Board remains seated without giving in to the demands of the board of directors, Kroes’ end appears to be in sight. The dismissal can be ratified on May 21, during the general shareholders’ meeting.
