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Ajax striker Brian Brobbey was reportedly the victim of an aggressive extortion campaign that involved violent attacks and intimidation tactics, according to Dutch newspaper Het Parool. The incidents, spanning several months, allegedly began when Brobbey refused to pay €150,000 to a criminal claiming to have protected him from fabricated threats.
After Brobbey reportedly declined to pay, a chain of violent incidents followed. On January 15, 2023, powerful fireworks were thrown through the letterbox of Brobbey’s mother-in-law's home. In March, an explosive was detonated near Brobbey’s car, and by April, his sister-in-law's vehicle had been set ablaze. The most serious event came in July, when a close friend of Brobbey's attempted to mediate, he was shot three times, suffering severe injuries, including a ruptured intestine.
Investigators eventually accessed Brobbey’s phone during a separate inquiry, bringing the full scope of the threats to light. Internal Ajax figures, including former coach Maurice Steijn and then-director Jan van Halst, offered their support once informed, but Het Parool reports Brobbey declined assistance, preferring to manage the issue himself. “Brobbey rejected offers of help from the Amsterdam club, insisting he would deal with the coercion himself,” the newspaper stated.
The legal proceedings against the criminal did not include extortion charges related to Brobbey. However, they were convicted in November 2024 and sentenced to ten years in prison for attempted murder, firearms possession, and drug-related offences. “The police found no evidence that Brobbey had paid any money” Het Parool reported.
Brobbey’s form dramatically declined during the 2024–25 season, scoring only four league goals compared to 18 in the previous campaign. With Premier League sides, including West Ham United, expressing interest, the striker is now considering a move away from Ajax. Some within the club believe the full extent of the situation might have altered their handling of his future had it been known earlier. “Ajax officials…offered support to Brobbey, but he insisted on handling the matter privately.”
Commenting to Het Parool, Brobbey’s lawyer said the player had no interest in contributing to the report. Ajax, meanwhile, declined to comment on “players’ private affairs.”
Featured Image Credit: Instagram / @brianbrobbeyy
