Merel van Dongen is surprised by the announcement of the new Ajax away shirt. The team from Amsterdam had Dusan Tadic, Steven Bergwijn, Devyne Rensch, Brian Brobbey and Mika Godts present the away kit for the 2023/24 season. “Where are the women?” Van Dongen, who played for Ajax between 2015 and 2018, wonders on Twitter.
In previous seasons, female players posed at Ajax in the new shirt at the same time, but apparently that was not chosen this year. “Ah yes of course, I’m starting to understand: first Ajax wants a good shirt for the men and if they are completely satisfied there will also be a women’s shirt,” said Van Dongen, who is under contract with Atlético Madrid.
Ah yes of course, I’m starting to understand: first Ajax wants a good shirt for the men and if they are completely satisfied there will also be a women’s shirt. #truewomen? https://t.co/vG8THcBzuH
— Merel van Dongen (@merelvd) May 26, 2023
It is the first time since 1988/89 that white is the basic color of Ajax’s away kit. The accent color is dark blue. “We always carry our city with us,” writes Ajax about the away shirt. “Inextricably linked to who we are, what we stand for and how we present ourselves. That is what makes us Ajax, everywhere in the world: a touch of Amsterdam.”
Ajax has received more criticism in recent days about its dealings with the women’s department. The team from Amsterdam decided to put an end to the celebration of the Ajax Women on the Leidseplein. According to the policymakers of the club, it is not the right time for a party. That would be due to the lost momentum of the women’s national title and the disastrous season for the men. “With friends like that you don’t need enemies,” Van Dongen responded on Twitter. “Very disappointed in what should feel like ‘my’ club.”