In a move that’s sending shockwaves through European football, Dutch club Ajax has come under fire after reportedly sacking Chuba Akpom and six other players via WhatsApp. The Dutch players’ union (VVCS) has condemned the decision, describing it as an “improper employment practice” and a grossly unprofessional way of handling player contracts.
What Happened?
Chuba Akpom, the English-born Nigerian striker, and six of his teammates received a shocking message in a group chat last weekend: they were no longer welcome to train with Ajax’s first team.
According to Dutch outlet De Telegraaf, the WhatsApp message came directly from Ajax’s technical director, Alex Kroes, informing them that they must begin looking for new clubs and will have restricted access to club facilities moving forward.
Players Union Reacts Strongly
Reacting to the incident, the VVCS issued a blistering statement:
“The VVCS is surprised by the ban imposed on seven Ajax players under contract. 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.”
The union also blamed the club’s mismanagement under former sporting director Sven Mislintat, under whose leadership most of the affected players were signed.
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Who Are the Affected Players?
Besides Chuba Akpom, the six others who were frozen out include:
• Borna Sosa (Croatia international)
• Carlos Forbs (Former Man City youth talent)
• Kristian Hlynsson
• Christian Rasmussen
• Jay Gorter
• Branco van den Boomen
These players, although still under contract, have been banned from using first-team facilities at De Toekomst, Ajax’s training ground. They can only access the grounds after the main squad has finished training — and have even been barred from parking in first-team areas. A single physiotherapist has also been assigned to all seven, further signaling their exclusion.
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A Harsh Turn for Chuba Akpom
Akpom, 29, joined Ajax from Middlesbrough in 2023 after an incredible season in the English Championship. However, he spent last season on loan at Lille in France. Now, despite being fit and under contract, he’s been told he’s no longer in the club’s plans.
The former Arsenal academy graduate has had stints with Brentford, Hull City, Brighton, and Sint-Truiden, and once represented England at youth level before switching allegiance to Nigeria in 2019. However, he has yet to debut for the Super Eagles.
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What’s Next for Akpom and the Others?
With Ajax’s new head coach, John Heitinga, set to begin pre-season, the club appears eager to clear space for new signings. But the method of offloading players via group chat has stirred anger across the football community.
This incident raises serious questions about player welfare, professional ethics, and how major clubs should manage transitions — especially when millions are on the line and reputations are at stake.
For now, Chuba Akpom and the rest of the sidelined seven will be looking for new homes — but with their talent and experience, it’s unlikely they’ll be waiting long.
