Dutch club Ajax melts league trophy into star gifts for fans

AMSTERDAM (AP) — Ajax has melted down its league trophy to give a tiny silver star to all 42,000 season-ticket holders who were locked out of games during the coronavirus pandemic. The Dutch champion says it melted down the wide silver plate and recast it into small stars. A star weighing 3.45 grams will be sent to supporters who could not take their seats at the Johan Cruyff Arena. Ajax CEO Edwin van der Sar says “we are ensuring our fans feel part of our championship.” The Dutch soccer federation is giving Ajax a second silver plate to display in its trophy cabinet.