Ajax were hoping to fight for the title this season. However, a poor start saw them well off the pace and the side are now facing the prospect of having to go through the play-offs to qualify for European football. Ajax are only two points behind FC Twente in 4th, but should they fail to move up by the end of the season, they will go into the lottery of the play-offs.

However, a bizarre situation has emerged in which pop star Harry Styles could have a major impact on how Ajax fare. The sides Johan Cruijff Arena is set to host the former One Direction star on his upcoming tour, with the date set to clash with a potential home fixture for Ajax. If Ajax are drawn at home, then Ajax will have to go play at Volendam’s home ground according to Bart Kruijt. The arena will have to be converted into a venue capable of hosting Harry Styles and there is too little turnaround time to revert it for the Ajax fixture.

Ajax will hope to avoid any potential clash with the Harry Styles concert on May 16th. Perhaps it is a Sign of the Times at Ajax that they are facing such a bizarre situation, one that could have been completely avoided by performing better on the pitch. The side will be facing NAC Breda, champions PSV, FC Utrecht and SC Heerenveen.