FC Cincinnati announced today that the club and general manager Gerard Nijkamp have parted ways effective immediately. The club will begin the search for a permanent successor immediately.
“I would like to thank Gerard for his commitment and dedication to FC Cincinnati. Gerard has been a key leader in the development in our project – opening of TQL Stadium, improving the roster, player development from the Academy to the first team, and building a broader soccer infrastructure that positions us for success in the future,” said FC Cincinnati President Jeff Berding. “We sincerely appreciate Gerard’s efforts over the past two years and respect his decision to return to his family in Europe. We wish him and his family the best of luck moving forward. With a significant portion of the season remaining, our focus is on improving our play on the pitch and earning a playoff spot. Our search for Gerard’s successor will begin immediately and focus on identifying the leader that best aligns with our ambition to win a championship in Major League Soccer.”
Nijkamp served as the club’s general manager since May 30, 2019, guiding the team to a 7-20-10 regular season record.
“I’m proud of the foundation we have here and all the hard work everyone has put into it,” said Nijkamp. “I will always be thankful to ownership and leadership for the chance to serve this club. While this has been an exciting opportunity, I have decided to pursue positions closer to my family. I wish the team the best moving forward.”
About FC Cincinnati:
FC Cincinnati are a professional soccer team that play in Major League Soccer, having entered the league as its 24th team in 2019. The club’s wide and diverse ownership group is led by controlling owner Carl H. Lindner III, as well as managing owners Meg Whitman, Scott Farmer, and George Joseph. Originally founded in 2015 by Lindner III and current president Jeff Berding, FCC played in the second-division United Soccer League (USL) from 2016 to 2018 before moving to MLS.
About TQL Stadium:
TQL Stadium, FC Cincinnati’s home, is one of the most ambitious soccer-specific stadiums in not only North America but the world. Critically acclaimed global design firm, Populous, designed an innovative and forward-thinking stadium that is one of the largest soccer-specific facilities in Major League Soccer (MLS). The $250 million, privately funded stadium has a capacity of 26,000, with the closest seats within 15 feet of the field. The design includes 53 traditional suites and 4,500 premium seats throughout four premium club spaces. Additionally, the team’s famous supporters’ section, The Bailey, will grow to be more than 3,100 strong and loom over opponents at a 34-degree angle at the stadium’s north end. A 360-degree canopy roof covers every seat in the stadium, but still allows sufficient sun in to grow a natural grass field. The stadium has five team locker rooms, including a comprehensive team suite for FC Cincinnati that features a dressing room, coaches offices, lounge, equipment storage and the Mercy Health Center of Excellence for the team’s medical and game day fitness needs. TQL Stadium meets all current requirements to host CONCACAF and FIFA events, featuring top national teams from around the world, including the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Teams, as well as the world’s top club teams for friendlies. More information about the stadium is available at Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, or visit the stadium’s website: TQLStadium.com.
