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

AP