The former Dutch international had to leave his post as sporting director of Ajax Amsterdam in early February after a scandal. Overmars had indeed, for a long period, sent “inappropriate” messages to several female colleagues, “I am ashamed of myself”, had then confided Overmars. “Unfortunately, I didn’t realize I had overstepped my bounds, but it has dawned on me these days. I don’t see any other option but to leave Ajax.”
Marc Overmars had been sporting director of Ajax since 2012. Since then, Ajax have been Dutch champions four times (2013, 2014, 2019 and 2021), won two Cups (2019 and 2021), played the final of the Europa League 2017 and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2019.
Light gray suit, slightly slicked back hair, Marc Overmars (48) entered the Antwerp press room with a sure step, this Monday at 1 p.m. The former star of Ajax, Arsenal and FC Barcelona, appointed sports director of the Antwerp club, answered questions from the many journalists present.
“I am very happy to join this club and this project. It is a very ambitious challenge, did he declare. What has been built here in a few years is impressive, there is real potential in this football-loving club and city, with great popular enthusiasm. I can’t wait to start work and I’m moving to Antwerp.”
Overmars was also asked about his very delicate departure from Ajax last February after a sex scandal. He had indeed sent inappropriate messages and photos to several club employees. “What happened will not happen again. It’s behind me, I want to turn the page and open a new chapter. It hasn’t affected the talks with Antwerp,” said the former sporting director of Ajax, of which he had greatly contributed to European renewal.
Current Antwerp coach Brian Priske, recently criticized by president Paul Gheysens, remains in place.