AaB is facing a significant leadership change as Chairman Jan Peters resigns from his position on the board and withdraws from the board of directors of the football club. This announcement, made via a stock exchange statement, marks a preliminary culmination of recent turmoil within the club.

The German investor group Sports Strategy Excellence 22 (SSE22), which includes Jan Peters, is also withdrawing from active involvement in the operation of AaB. This decision comes in response to feedback and criticism received by SSE22.

Jan Peters stated that the recent developments around the club have shown a need and desire for change and that his withdrawal should be seen as a clear sign of ambition to do what is best for AaB at this time.

The North Jutland football club has experienced a period of intense instability, including relegation from the Superliga, two coach firings, the dismissal of the sports director, fan demands for the owners’ departure, and a dissatisfied sponsor.

The board of directors and AaB’s daily management will now work closely together, prioritizing the appointment of a new sports director and head coach.

SSE22 initially invested in the club in March 2023 and subsequently increased their stake in the spring of 2024 with an investment of DKK 45 million, taking over the majority of the shares.

The club’s troubles began with the firing of head coach Menno van Dam shortly before relegation, followed by the dismissal of his replacement, Kristoffer Wichmann, after only five games, and the departure of sports director James Gow.

The relegation triggered widespread unrest and criticism of Jan Peters and SSE22, with fans expressing strong disapproval of the German ownership and calling for Peters’ resignation.

Recently, sponsor 3F Aalborg publicly stated that AaB needed to address a possible case of bullying within the club, reportedly involving former head coach Menno van Dam and an unnamed individual connected to the first team.

Jesper Brøchner Thing has been nominated as the new chairman of the board and will be subject to election at an extraordinary general meeting as soon as possible.