If Ajax Amsterdam reaches the playoff round for the European places in May, a report by ‘Goal.com’ says the club may have to do so without using its home Johan Cruyff Arena.
This situation would arise if Ajax finishes no higher than fifth in the table — places five to eight mean participation in the playoffs for the European spots.
The Amsterdam side are currently in fifth place in the Dutch Eredivisie.
What seems almost certain: those matches would probably not be at home.
According to the report, Ajax’s stadium will not be available for either the playoff semi-final on 21 May or the final on 24 May.
The reason is none other than superstar Harry Styles. Several of his concerts are scheduled during that period.
The pop star will perform in Amsterdam in May & June.
Ajax will therefore likely have to switch to another stadium. Another option would be to give up home advantage — though according to ‘Goal.com’, it remains to be seen whether the club’s management would agree to that.
📸 OLAF KRAAK
“The stadium is generally reserved for Ajax’s Eredivisie, cup and European matches, but the period from mid-May to mid-July is an exception,” an Arena spokesperson told ‘ANP’ in March.
A similar problem had already threatened Ajax two years ago, when the stadium was reserved for the event “De Toppers”.
In the end, however, the club managed to qualify for European competition through the league.
Whether they can do so again this year remains to be seen. That would probably require at least fourth place, but even then direct qualification would still depend on other factors.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.
