Overmars leaves Ajax after inappropriate messages to colleagues

Marc Overmars, who has previously played for Ajax Amsterdam and the Dutch national team, has resigned as director of football affairs. It was revealed that he had sent inappropriate messages to female employees of the club.

Ajax Amsterdam’s Director of Football Marc Overmars has left the club with immediate effect because of inappropriate messages he sent to his female colleagues.

Forty-eight-year-old Overmars decided to resign from his position after meeting with CEO Edwin van der Saar and the club’s management. Meanwhile, he recently signed an extension of his contract with the club until 2026.

Overmars has apologised

The former Dutch player said he was “ashamed” of his actions after it emerged that he had sent a number of messages to female staff at the club. “I am ashamed. For a man in my position, such behaviour is unacceptable,” Overmars apologised in a statement posted on the Ajax website. “Unfortunately, I didn’t realise that I was crossing the line by doing so,” he regretted the current situation.

Of course, the media in Holland is not letting the situation lie. “The situation has a big impact on my personal life. I hereby ask everyone to leave me and my family alone,” said a frustrated Overmars, apparently unaware of the consequences of his actions.

What did the club management say?

Ajax supervisory board chairman Leen Meijaard said Overmars was probably the best football director Ajax had ever had. However, he confirmed that he had crossed the line with his behaviour and continuing as director was not an option.

The club’s chief executive and his former teammate Van der Sar described the situation as “appalling”. “I find the situation shocking for all involved,” he told the club’s website. “In my role I feel a responsibility to help my colleagues and the working climate for everyone at the club is above all else,” added the former national team goalkeeper.

Overmars has served as Ajax’s director for ten years. The Dutch club has been very successful during this period. Not only thanks to the four domestic titles won, but especially in the Champions League, it has troubled many an opponent in recent years.

In 2019, it even reached the semi-finals after eliminating the most successful club in this competition, Real Madrid.

Source