After winning the Eredivisie title for the 35th time, Ajax Amsterdam Football Club made the ultimate choice to melt down the trophy to be shared with their fans.
All season ticket holders will receive a star weighing 3.45g, 0.06g of which has come from the trophy.
Following an exceptional football year without supporters in the stadium, Ajax has decided to melt down its champion trophy and create over 42,000 small champion stars.
Each season ticket holder will receive their share of the champion trophy, or, as Ajax calls it “a piece of Ajax”.
This will allow the club to physically share the championship and the 35th trophy with fans.
“This season, we have largely had to play without our fans. Well, without them sitting in the stands, at least. Despite this, we have felt their support every week. On the way to the stadium, on social media and in our personal contacts.
“Previously, when we said ‘this title is for you’, we were expressing how we were doing it for the fans, however sharing the trophy is the ultimate proof that we really are.’ After a turbulent year, we are ensuring our fans feel part of our championship.” said General Director Edwin van der Sar who is also a former Manchester United great.
“Playing in an empty stadium doesn’t compare with an atmospheric Johan Cruijff ArenA. We have really missed our supporters over the past season here in Amsterdam and during all our matches. We therefore want to dedicate this title to our fans and can’t wait to play in front of them again.” said Ajax captain Dušan Tadić:
This season, Ajax played 30 of its 34 matches in the Eredivisie in an empty stadium.
The Amsterdam team won both the KNVB Cup and the Eredivisie title.
Source – AFC Ajax