After foot.mundo reported initial fears, Ajax are now actively seeking alternative venues for this season’s European play-offs.
The Amsterdam giants are increasingly likely to finish in the Conference League play-offs, which take place when Harry Styles has booked out their stadium.
Ajax are fifth in the Eredivisie with four games to play, and fifth to eighth participate in a post-season play-off for the third tier competition.
Why Ajax can’t stay
Ajax wouldn’t have been expecting such an eventuality, particularly as their rent on the Johan Cruyff Arena is paused once the regular season finishes.
That allows Amsterdam to use it as they please, which they did by booking in 10 Styles dates well ahead of schedule.
While the club are not disclosing which alternatives have been discussed, AD report that Heracles Almelo and FC Volendam and been approached over loaning their stadiums.
The semi-finals of the play-offs will be played on May 21, and the final on May 24.
Harry Styles will perform on May 20, 22, and 23, among others.
Ajax faced a similar conundrum during the 2023/24 season and planned to play at their B-team ground.
However, they avoided the Conference League via the Eredivisie table.
Ajax’s run-in
Currently fifth, Ajax are two points off Twente in fourth who are in the Europa League spot and three off NEC who are in a Champions League play-off place.
Above them, champions PSV and Feyenoord automatically qualify for the Champions League.
Ajax could also benefit from the KNVB Beker cup final between NEC and AZ, which could see a Europa spot bumped down to fifth if the former win.
Yet with just four to play it doesn’t look great for Ajax who could even slump lower given their run-in of NAC (away), PSV (home), Utrecht (home), and Heerenveen (away).
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