Marc Overmars, the former Arsenal star, has been sanctioned with a one-year ban from Dutch football, a consequence of his admitted inappropriate behaviour while at Ajax.
Marc Overmars, the former Arsenal winger, has been issued a one-year ban from participating in Dutch football activities after admitting to sending inappropriate messages to female colleagues while he was the director of football at Ajax.
This ruling, made by the Dutch Sports Tribunal (ISR), comes as a significant sanction for the misconduct that led to his departure from Ajax in February 2022.
Overmars, known for his playing career with Arsenal, Ajax, Barcelona, and the Netherlands, expressed remorse for his actions last year, acknowledging his behaviour as ‘unacceptable’ and stating he was ‘ashamed’ of his conduct.
The ISR’s decision mandates Overmars to refrain from any role with any Dutch FA-affiliated organisation for two years, one of which is suspended.
However, this suspension will not impact his current role at the Belgian side Royal Antwerp, where he joined a month following his exit from Ajax.
Despite the ban being confined to the Netherlands, according to The Athletic, the ISR has indicated that the suspension could be submitted to FIFA for further review.
Royal Antwerp, where Overmars is presently employed, has yet to comment on the matter.
Overmars, in his announcement last year regarding leaving Ajax, said, “I am ashamed. Last week, I was confronted with reports about my behaviour. And how this has come across to others.
“Unfortunately, I didn’t realise that I was crossing the line with this, but that was made clear to me in recent days. I suddenly felt enormous pressure. I apologise. Certainly, for someone in my position, this behaviour is unacceptable.
“I now see that too. But it is too late. I see no other option but to leave Ajax. This also has a major impact on my private situation. That is why I ask everyone to leave me and my family alone.”
During his three-year tenure at Arsenal, Overmars was an integral part of the team that secured the Premier League and FA Cup double in 1998.