Former Arsenal star and ex-Ajax Director Marc Overmars has been slapped with a one-year ban from Dutch football following inappropriate behavior. The Dutch Sports Tribunal (ISR) ruled that Overmars must refrain from any involvement in Dutch FA-related activities for the next two years, one of which is suspended.
Overmars stepped down as Ajax’s director of football in February 2022, admitting to sending lewd photos and videos to female colleagues. Despite the incident, he found a second chance at Royal Antwerp, where he assumed the role of technical director.
The ISR emphasized Overmars’ awareness of his influential position within Ajax, stating that he should have refrained from such behavior. The decision, however, does not impact Overmars’ role at Antwerp, where he has been employed since March 2022.
While Antwerp has not commented on the ISR’s ruling, the club administration appears to stand by Overmars, expressing confidence that he won’t repeat similar mistakes in Belgium. Overmars, during the ban, is prohibited from engaging with any Dutch football association-affiliated organizations.
As the football community awaits Antwerp’s response, this incident serves as a reminder of the need for accountability and proper conduct within the realm of sports management.
