Te Kloese makes way for Ajax director at EFC in Copenhagen

In the meeting room of the European Football Clubs in Copenhagen, where a vote took place on Tuesday, Menno Geelen, chief executive of Ajax, was officially appointed as a board member. With the appointment he succeeds Dennis te Kloese, who had to give up his seat after his move to Monterrey. The transition marks a new Dutch voice within the body.

EFC: European interest organisation

The European Football Clubs, formerly known as the European Club Association (ECA), is the largest and most important interest organisation of European clubs. More than nine hundred clubs from across Europe are represented, and the board forms the highest decision‑making body within European club football.

Geelen is also a member of the UEFA Club Competitions Committee. This committee works at a strategic level on the design of European club competitions, advises on the distribution of revenues, access criteria, draw procedures and the allocation of European finals.

National support for the appointment

The KNVB and the Eredivisie unanimously expressed their support for Geelen’s arrival. In a statement Ajax emphasized that the EFC‑Board is the highest decision‑making body within European club football and that a seat on this board is of great value for Dutch football.

Geelen’s background and financial gesture

Geelen has had a relationship with Ajax since 2010, including as commercial director. In March 2025 he was appointed chief executive, with a contract running until mid‑2027. Last week he announced that he is waiving a contractual right to a bonus, because he considers the past sporting season to have been disappointing.

With his seat on the EFC‑Board Geelen represents the Netherlands on two important European platforms: the EFC board and the UEFA Club Competitions Committee. This dual role strengthens the influence of Dutch clubs in the decision‑making on European competitions.

Dennis te Kloese was active in the EFC between 2023 and 2026. After his departure from Feyenoord he moved this summer to Mexican Monterrey, which meant he could no longer work in Europe and had to give up his place in the body.

Geelen’s appointment is seen as a return of Dutch representation on the EFC board, after Kloese left the organisation. His decision to forgo the bonus underscores an emphasis on sporting results over financial incentives.