Ajax technical director is investigated for conflict of interest

Ajax technical director Sven Mislintat is being investigated for a potential conflict of interest surrounding the signing of the Croatian footballer Borna Sosa, the Dutch club announced. Mislintat has a stake in football data analytics platform Matchmetrics, and since the summer football agent company AKA has also had a stake there. AKA was involved in the summer transfer of Sosa from German Stuttgart for approximately 8 million euros.

Sven Mislintat was Stuttgart’s sporting director for almost three years in the past.

Ajax’s sporting director, Sven Mislintat, is under investigation due to the transfer of Borna Sosa, who moved to Ajax for €8m on the deadline day.

Sven Mislintat, as reported, was in a conflict of interest during Sosa’s transfer, and the club did not keep records of it. 🚨 pic.twitter.com/SFI0LE4Ph2

— 🇭🇷 (@TheCroatianLad) September 19, 2023

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The Dutch television NOS reported on the case, and Ajax confirmed that they were informed. The club said that Mislintat had told them of his involvement in Matchmetrics when he signed, but that they were unaware that AKA was already part of the shareholders.

“As AKA Global has supported a player who signed for Ajax in the summer, the club has decided to take a closer look at the matter and is being assisted by external advisers,” Ajax’s statement said, adding: “There will also be an independent external investigation carried out by forensic accountant. Sven Mislinat declares that he will cooperate fully, which includes sharing all relevant documentation.”

Mislintat has come in for a lot of criticism for his transfer policy after a poor start to the season which saw Ajax pick up just five points from four games. The team brought in a dozen new players for around €100 million in the summer, while Ajax generated €150 million from the sale of players.