Ajax-Atalanta, the Official reception
The Traditional Pre-Match Rendezvous
Ahead of Ajax v Atalanta, Matchday 2 of the 2026/27 UEFA Conference League league phase, representatives of both clubs and UEFA gathered for the traditional official reception, the institutional event customarily held before European fixtures.
The meeting took place in the Royal Box of the Johan Cruijff ArenA, which hosted the traditional Official Reception. The occasion brought the two delegations together in a spirit of conviviality and fair play, beginning with formal greetings, followed by the customary exchange of gifts and official photographs, before the official lunch.
Representing the hosts, Ajax were Chief Commercial Officer Cas Biesta, former player and current Technical Manager Siem de Jong, Supervisory Board member Dirk Anbeek and Board of Directors member Christian Visser. Also in attendance was Delegate Liaison Officer Cor van Eijden.
Atalanta were represented by co-Chairman Stephen Pagliuca, Board members Joseph Case Pagliuca and Marc Nolan Casper, General Director of Institutional Affairs Umberto Marino, and General Secretary and UEFA Main Contact Marco Semprini.
UEFA was represented by English delegate Andy Ambler.