Official: After Victor Osimhen's hat-trick, Ajax makes a bold decision

Europe 06 November 2025 at 11:03

Joshua SOSSOU

News Editor

Victor Osimhen

05.11.25 FT Champions League

Ajax

Galatasaray

On Wednesday night in the Champions League, Ajax suffered a heavy defeat at home against Victor Osimhen's Galatasaray (0-3). Just hours later, the Dutch club made a major decision.

This Wednesday, Ajax announced the immediate suspension of head coach John Heitinga, whose contract was originally set to run until June 30, 2027. He is not alone; his assistant, Marcel Keizer, is also affected by this dismissal. This move seemed inevitable after several months of disappointing performances. Yesterday, the Dutch side lost at home in the Champions League to Galatasaray after a hat-trick from Victor Osimhen.

Ajax has suspended John Heitinga with immediate effect. The head coach’s contract was due to run until June 30, 2027, but will now be terminated. The same applies to assistant coach Marcel Keizer. Ajax is looking for a new head coach; in the meantime, Fred Grim will take over… pic.twitter.com/phMVZ7PbYI
— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) November 6, 2025

While Ajax searches for a new head coach, the interim role will be filled by Fred Grim, a well-known figure in Dutch football and a former Ajax player.