The court in the city of Haarlem has ruled in favour of Ajax governor Johan Cruyff in his conflict with his colleagues over the appointment of Louis van Gaal as general manager and Martin Sturkenboom as financial manager ad interim.

The judge suspended the appointments pending approval by the club’s shareholders. Johan Cruyff had filed the lawsuit against his four colleagues on the board of governors because the appointments had been made in his absence.

Cruyff said he regarded the ruling as a victory. “Even though it feels a little different than winning a real game. Hopefully we will now get full cooperation from Sturkenboom who has started work as director ad interim. Hopefully football will once again be the main subject of discussion at Ajax.”

Ajax’s members’ council has requested Cruyff and his fellow governors to resign. “If they agree, I will leave immediately,” Cruyff said. “I believe it would be for the best if they did so quickly. If all goes well, football players will finally be in charge of Ajax. The way it’s supposed to be at a football club.”

Cruyff emphasised he wants to remain involved with Ajax even after he resigns from the board of governors. “A new generation of sensible football players must now take charge, but I assume they could use some help.”