Cruyff in court over Van Gaal's Ajax appointment

Johan Cruyff and his allies at Ajax have gone to court in a bid to block the appointment of Louis van Gaal as the club's new director and two other directors, the latest step in a bitter boardroom battle.

Cruyff is one of five members on Ajax's supervisory board that controls the day-to-day running of the club. He wants to revitalize the famous Ajax youth training program and says Van Gaal's appointment doesn't fit into his reform plan.

The injunction hearing at a court in the city of Haarlem was also attended by former players Wim Jonk, Marc Overmars and Jaap Stam, who support Cruyff.

Later on Wednesday, Ajax plays Real Madrid and needs a draw to be sure of qualification for the Champions League knockout stages.