Ajax dismisses its sporting director, Marc Overmars, for harassing teammates

"Unfortunately, I did not realize that I was crossing the line, but it has become clear to me in recent days (...) I apologize. This behavior is unacceptable in someone in my position. Now I understand. But it is too late. I don't see any other options than to leave Ajax," said the former soccer player after communicating his decision to the team's board and its general manager, Edwin van der Sar.

Marc Overmars, who during his time as a footballer played for Ajax, Arsenal and FC Barcelona, ​​became the Dutch team's sporting director in 2012 and had recently renewed his contract until June 2026.

Supervisory board chairman Leen Meijaard has said it is a dramatic situation for everyone involved in any way and "devastating" for the women who have had to deal with such behaviour. In addition, she has stated that as soon as they heard the news they met to discuss what to do. Meijaard has called Marx Overmars "the best sporting director Ajax has ever had", but that he has crossed a line that means he cannot continue in the job.

Edwin van de Sar has joined Meijaard's words and has shared that, due to his position, "he feels responsible for helping his colleagues" and that "creating a safe working and sports environment is very important", so in the near future they will pay more attention to this type of behaviour.

The CEO of the team has shared a career with Marc since the 1990s, both in Ajax and in the national team, and they have been team management partners for almost ten years, which has come to an abrupt end. Van de Sar has also lamented that this fact is bad news for "anyone who cares about Ajax."