Van Gaal quits as Ajax adviser after staff turnover

Louis van Gaal has resigned with immediate effect from his role as external adviser to the Board of Commissioners at Ajax, a position he has held since October 2023. The Amsterdam club announced the departure Thursday afternoon, confirming that the former manager will no longer be involved in the club’s football operations.

Louis van Gaal explained his decision through Ajax’s official channels. “Michael van Praag is a friend of mine and we have worked together a lot and well at Ajax in the past. As chairman of the then‑RvC he approached me in 2023 and I wanted to help him and Ajax,” he said.

He added that there were many position changes and insufficient football know‑how during his tenure. “There were many position changes and there was too little football know‑how in that period. Then I could play a role as external adviser in filling key football positions, such as the appointments of Alex Kroes and Marijn Beuker,” he said.

Van Gaal noted that more football knowledge entered the organisation, but key figures had departed. “Michael stopped in 2025, Alex left and now Marijn has also gone. For me the moment has come to stop,” he said.

Ajax reported that the Board of Commissioners finds it ‘jammer’ that Van Gaal stops, but has understanding for his choice. The statement was released by the Amsterdam club on Thursday afternoon.

Earlier this week, Marijn Beuker, a confidant of Van Gaal, left the Johan Cruijff Arena with immediate effect. The contract of the director of football was terminated.