Why did Marc Overmars quit Ajax? Ex-Arsenal winger leaves top job after sending ‘inappropriate messages’

Overmars left his position as director of football at Eredivise side Ajax on Sunday, after being confronted over sending a number of inappropriate messages to female colleagues.

The 48-year-old, who is married, recently signed a contract extension with the club after working with them for close to a decade, which would have seen him remain with club until at least 2026.

During his playing career, Overmars built up a formidable legacy at his boyhood club, winning three league titles and the Champions League, before leaving Ajax after sealing a move to Arsenal in 1997, and later playing for La Liga side Barcelona.

Marc Overmars' statement:

The club released Overmars’ statement on their official website, in which he apologised for his actions. It read: “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 realise 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.”

What have Ajax said?

The supervisory board chairman Leen Meijaard also provided a statement: “This is a dramatic situation for everyone who is involved in any way. It is devastating for the women who have had to deal with the behaviour.

“When we heard news of this, we immediately acted, carefully deliberating and weighing what was the best thing to do - all in consultation with CEO Edwin van der Sar and assisted by an external expert. Marc is probably the best football director that Ajax has had. We upgraded and extended his contract for a reason.

“But, unfortunately, he has really gone over the line, so continuing as director was not an option, as he recognised himself. It is extremely painful for everyone. I want to express the wish that everyone involved is given the peace and privacy to process this.”

What has their CEO Edwin van der Sarr said?

The former Manchester United and Netherlands number one said: "I find the situation appalling for everyone and I agree with Leen Meijaard's words. In my role, I also feel responsible to help colleagues. A safe sport and working climate is very important. We will pay even more attention to this in the near future.

“Marc and I have been playing together since the early 1990s, first at Ajax and then with the national team and we have been colleagues in the management of Ajax for almost ten years now. That has now come to a very abrupt end. We are working on something very wonderful here at Ajax, so this news will also be a blow to everyone who cares about Ajax.”

What will Overmars do next?

Before the scandal erupted, he had been linked with taking a similar role at either his former club Arsenal or Newcastle United, following their big-money takeover last autumn.

However, given the seriousness of his actions, it seems unlikely he will take up a position in the Premier League any time soon.

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