Frank and Ronald de Boer revisit Ajax pay tensions within Euro 96 squad

Frank and Ronald de Boer have revisited the divisions within the Netherlands squad at Euro 96, saying frustration about Ajax’s pay structure was wrongly aimed at them. According to FCUpdate’s account of their appearance on De Telegraaf podcast Studio Sedee, contract differences among Ajax players contributed to tensions in an Oranje side largely built around the club’s 1995 Champions League-winning team.

Edgar Davids was sent home during the tournament after publicly criticising national coach Guus Hiddink. Beneath that dispute was resentment among several Ajax players who believed they were being paid less than certain team-mates. The Netherlands narrowly progressed from a group containing England, Scotland and Switzerland before losing their quarter-final against France on penalties. Frank de Boer missed the tournament through injury.

Ronald rejected the idea that he and Frank were responsible for Ajax’s contract decisions. He said they had only held an advisory role in conversations with then-treasurer Arie van Os and had encouraged the club to keep the squad together. Ronald cited Nwankwo Kanu as a player they believed deserved an A contract because of his importance, even when he was not a regular starter.

Frank explained that age and status commonly determined whether players received A or B contracts at the time, with older players such as the De Boers and Danny Blind receiving the higher category. FCUpdate quoted Ronald as saying the squad’s “balance and chemistry” were missing in 1996. He contrasted that with the 1998 World Cup, when Hiddink required players to keep criticism within the group and the Netherlands reached the semi-finals. Ronald also said the pay dispute was never subsequently discussed with those involved and that their later relationships remained friendly.