Disgraced for sending inappropriate messages. Decision about the legend's future has been made
In his illustrious career, Marc Overmars has played for Ajax Amsterdam and FC Barcelona. He has appeared in 86 matches for the Dutch national team, scoring 17 goals. The 50-year-old, however, found himself embroiled in a scandal when messages he had sent to Ajax Amsterdam employees surfaced. A decision regarding his punishment has now been made.
6:57 AM EST, November 17, 2023
The scandal came to light in early 2022. Overmars abruptly severed his ties with Ajax Amsterdam due to the inappropriate messages he had sent to club employees.
Reports suggest that at least eleven women were targeted. It's known that he sent at least one of them a bathroom selfie featuring male genitals.
I feel deeply ashamed. Such behavior is completely unacceptable, especially in my position. I am facing up to the repoorts about my behavior and its impact on others - Overmars later communicated this in a brief statement.
The Dutch sports veteran didn't realize he had crossed a line. The gravity of his behavior dawned on him only after the story spread publicly. An apology from his side followed soon after.
It's devastating for the women who suffered from Overmars' behavior. As soon as we were made aware of the matter, we took immediate action - explained the Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Ajax Amsterdam, Leen Meijaard, through the club's official website.
Meijaard had earlier lauded Overmars. He had once described him as the best sports director in the team's history. However, he admitted that Overmars had crossed a line, making further collaboration untenable.
Overmars was subsequently appointed the sports director of a Belgian club based in Antwerp. The announcement of his punishment came almost two years after the scandal broke. The Dutch Sports Tribunal has now decreed that Overmars should "refrain from performing any duties" in Dutch football.
The punishment spans two years and the second year is suspended. The ruling does not affect his responsibilities in Belgium.
