Football Legend Marc Overmars Faces Worldwide Ban After Sending Inappropriate Messages to Female Colleagues
Former Dutch soccer star Marc Overmars has been globally banned from football following his suspension from Dutch football The controversial appointment has led to serious consequences for Overmars, who now faces severe restrictions on his involvement in the sport
The former Dutch international player Marc Overmars has been globally banned from holding any position in soccer after a suspension issued in the Netherlands was extended by FIFA. Overmars had resigned from his role as Ajax's Director of Football Affairs in 2022 after sending inappropriate messages to female colleagues, admitting to feeling "ashamed" and acknowledging that his behavior was "unacceptable" and had "crossed the line."
Overmars, a former player for Ajax, Arsenal, and Barcelona, was banned last year by an independent sports tribunal from holding any position in Dutch football for two years, with one year suspended, Reuters reported. The Royal Netherlands Football Association (KNVB) stated that it was obligated to report the sanction to FIFA's disciplinary committee, which has since taken over the suspension as of Nov. 16, 2023, according to Reuters.
ALMELO, NETHERLANDS - OCTOBER 30: (BILD OUT) Ajax Amsterdam's sporting director, Marc Overmars, observes the Dutch Eredivisie match between Heracles Almelo and Ajax at Erve Asito on October 30, 2021 in Almelo. (Photo by NESImages/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
NESImages/DeFodi Images/Getty Images
Marc Overmars quits Ajax after sending inappropriate messages to female colleagues
Following a request by the Royal Netherlands Football Association (KNVB), FIFA has extended the worldwide sanction imposed on Mr. Marc Overmars, as confirmed by a FIFA spokesperson in a statement to CNN on Wednesday. The end date of Overmars' global ban has not been specified, and FIFA did not respond to CNN's query regarding the timeline.
CNN has contacted representatives of Overmars and the Belgian side Royal Antwerp, where the 50-year-old serves as technical director, for their response.
A spokesperson for Overmars stated on Tuesday evening that they were only recently made aware of the FIFA disciplinary committee's decision. They mentioned that they still need to review the details, and therefore are not providing a response at this time, as reported by Dutch newspaper NRC.
Upon his appointment at Antwerp, Sven Jaecques, the club's general manager, emphasized the importance of providing people with new opportunities and turning the page. Overmars also pledged that the issues at Ajax would not be repeated. "I am thrilled to be here," Overmars added. "This is a new chapter for me - a wonderful challenge at a club where I see the potential for growth," he stated at the time of his appointment, just over a month after leaving Ajax.
Controversial appointment
The Belgian club's decision has prompted the personnel management agency, Select Group, to announce the termination of their sponsorship deal. The agency stated that the decision made by the club goes against their organization's values and standards.
In a statement released in 2022, the group expressed their belief that everyone deserves a second chance after a thoughtful period of self-reflection. They expressed deep regret that neither the management of RAFC nor Mr. Overmars took the opportunity during the press conference to serenely, cautiously, and deliberately testify to their process of self-reflection and gained insight.
"Additionally, there has been a lack of care in communication and careful handling of the problem. The Flemish Minister of Sports, Ben Weyts, also expressed concerns about Overmars' appointment by Antwerp, citing the need for respect for the victims, as reported by Dutch newspaper NRC."
Whether FIFAs decision will impact Overmars' football career is still uncertain. Marjan Olfers, a sports and law professor at the Free University in Amsterdam, stated to Dutch broadcaster NOS, "FIFA is now claiming, 'You don't fit into the football community.' Nevertheless, FIFA's jurisdiction does not override Belgian labor laws."
"Now the question is what is stated in Overmars' contract. It is often specified in athlete contracts that suspension for doping offenses will lead to immediate contract dissolution. However, the specifics of Overmars' contract and any potential labor law implications are currently unknown," Olfers explained. Overmars played for Ajax for five years before transferring to Arsenal in the English Premier League, where he spent three years.
He made a transfer to Barcelona in 2000, becoming the most expensive Dutch footballer of all time. He has made 86 appearances for the Dutch national team, making him the 15th most capped player in Netherlands history.
CNNs Jack Bantock and Mick Krever contributed reporting.
