The Dutch players’ union, VVCS, has described Ajax’s treatment of English-born Nigerian footballer, Chuba Akpom, as “improper employment” practice.
This is coming after Ajax used a WhatsApp group chat to announce that Chuba Akpom and six other players are not allowed to resume training with the club’s squad.
The development means that Akpom and the affected players are not allowed to train with the first team and use the facilities provided specifically for the squad even though they are still under contract with the Dutch giants.
Ajax has reportedly told the affected players to look for another club ahead of next season without due consultation with the players.
“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.
“Rather, they are victims of Ajax’s misguided policy, which gave Mislintat free rein at the time.”
Note that Chuba Akpom, who joined Ajax from English Championship side Middlesbrough in 2023 following a standout season, spent last season on loan at French Ligue 1 side, Lille.
The 29-year-old English striker will now enjoy limited access at the club’s training facility, De Toekomst, from Sunday, June 29, according to Dutch outlet De Telegraaf.
Other affected players are: Croatian international, Borna Sosa, former Manchester City youth player, Carlos Forbs, Kristian Hlynsson, Christian Rasmussen, Jay Gorter, and Branco van den Boomen. The aforementioned players, including Akpom, were signed at Ajax during the reign of the club’s former sporting director, Sven Mislintat.
“Chuba Akpom, Carlos Forbs, and five other Ajax players will no longer be allowed to train with the first team starting Sunday when newly appointed head coach John Heitinga begins preparations for the new season,” De Telegraaf reported.
“The players received the message via WhatsApp from technical director Alex Kroes. The club intends to offload the group to strengthen Heitinga’s squad.
“On days when Heitinga schedules two sessions, the seven players must wait until the second training has ended before they can access the facilities at De Toekomst. Furthermore, their cars are no longer allowed to park in the designated areas reserved for the first team and technical staff.
“To add to the restrictions, just one physiotherapist has been assigned to attend to all seven of the sidelined players.”
Chuba Akpom, who is a product of Arsenal’s youth system, has played for Brentford, Coventry City, Nottingham Forest, Hull City, Brighton, and Belgian club Sint-Truiden, mostly on loan.
He has played for England youth national teams before he switched his allegiance to Nigeria in 2019. However, he is yet to be capped by the Super Eagles.
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