January 10, (THEWILL) – Marc Overmars has been banned from holding any football position for one year by FIFA. The ban comes after the former Netherlands international and Ajax director admitted to sending inappropriate messages and photos to female colleagues during his tenure at Ajax, leading to his resignation in February 2022.
The Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) had previously suspended Overmars from Dutch football for two years, with one year suspended, over the misconduct. The KNVB then requested that FIFA impose this domestic suspension globally. FIFA’s disciplinary committee agreed, taking over the ban from November 16, 2023.
Overmars is currently serving as Technical Director for Belgian club Royal Antwerp, having joined shortly after departing Ajax. It is unclear if he will appeal FIFA’s ruling, which was reported by Dutch newspaper NRC this week. A spokesperson for the 50-year-old Overmars stated he was informed of the suspension but not yet prepared to comment.
The former winger represented major European clubs Barcelona, Arsenal and Ajax during his playing career. He rejoined Ajax as director in 2012, helping guide the team to domestic and European success. Overmars’ achievements were overshadowed by the revelations in early 2022 of his sexual misconduct toward female staff.
In addition to FIFA’s one-year ban, Overmars also received a two-year suspension from Dutch football authorities in 2023. One year of that domestic suspension was waived, pending no repeat offenses by Overmars. FIFA has now extended that active one-year ban globally.
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Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
