Marc Overmars, Ajax’s director of soccer affairs, will depart the membership with quick impact after the Dutch champions mentioned he despatched a “collection of irrelevant messages to a number of feminine colleagues”
Ajax said that Overmars made the verdict to step down after talks over contemporary days with the membership’s board and leader government Edwin van der Sar.
Overmars – the previous Arsenal, Barcelona and Ajax winger – advised the membership’s web page: “I’m ashamed. Ultimate week I used to be faced with reviews about my behaviour and the way this has come throughout to others.
“Sadly, I did not realise that I used to be crossing the road with this, however that was once made transparent to me in contemporary days. I unexpectedly felt monumental drive. I apologise.
“Undoubtedly for anyone in my place, this behaviour is unacceptable. I now see that too. However it’s too overdue. I see no different possibility however to depart Ajax.
“This additionally has a big have an effect on on my personal state of affairs. For this reason I ask everybody to depart me and my circle of relatives on my own.”
Overmars performed for Arsenal between 1997 and 2000
Overmars had held the position of director of soccer affairs for almost 10 years, and had just lately had his contract prolonged till the top of the 2025/26 season.
Leen Meijaard, Ajax’s supervisory board chairman, mentioned: “This can be a dramatic state of affairs for everybody who’s considering any method. It’s devastating for the ladies who’ve needed to maintain the behaviour.
“After we heard information of this, we instantly acted, in moderation deliberating and weighing what was once the most efficient factor to do – all in session with CEO Edwin van der Sar and assisted by way of an exterior knowledgeable.
“Marc is most probably the most efficient soccer director that Ajax has had. We upgraded and prolonged his contract for a explanation why. However sadly, he has actually long gone over the road, so proceeding as director was once no longer an possibility, as he recognised himself.
“This can be very painful for everybody. I need to categorical the want that everybody concerned is given the peace and privateness to procedure this.”
Van der Sar – the ex-Manchester United and Fulham goalkeeper – added: “I in finding the location appalling for everybody and I accept as true with Leen Meijaard’s phrases.
Overmars (left) with Edwin van der Sar
“In my position, I additionally really feel accountable to assist colleagues. A secure recreation and dealing local weather is essential. We will be able to pay much more consideration to this within the close to long term.
“Marc and I’ve been taking part in in combination for the reason that early Nineties, first at Ajax after which with the nationwide group and we have now been colleagues within the control of Ajax for nearly 10 years now. That has now come to an excessively abrupt finish.
“We’re operating on one thing very glorious right here at Ajax, so this information can also be a blow to everybody who cares about Ajax.”
Overmars loved a glittering taking part in occupation at Ajax, profitable 3 league titles, the Dutch cup and the Champions League ahead of becoming a member of Arsenal in 1997.
The winger gained the double at Highbury in 1998 forward of a transfer to Barcelona in 2000, the place he spent 4 years ahead of retiring.
