Marc Overmars: Ajax director of football quits after sending ‘inappropriate messages to female colleagues’ | Football News

Marc Overmars, Ajax’s director of football affairs, will leave the club with immediate effect after the Dutch champions said he sent a “series of inappropriate messages to several female colleagues”

Ajax stated that Overmars made the decision to step down after talks over recent days with the club’s board and chief executive Edwin van der Sar.

Overmars – the former Arsenal, Barcelona and Ajax winger – told the club’s website: “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 realize 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.”

Overmars had held the role of director of football affairs for nearly 10 years, and had recently had his contract extended until the end of the 2025/26 season.

More to follow…