Overmars joins Antwerp in wake of Ajax misconduct scandal

By: The Associated Press Posted: 9:24 AM CDT Monday, Mar. 21, 2022 Last Modified: 10:50 AM CDT Monday, Mar. 21, 2022

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ANTWERP, Belgium (AP) — Former Dutch soccer great Marc Overmars was appointed sports director at Belgian club Antwerp on Monday, only weeks after abruptly quitting at Ajax after admitting to sending inappropriate messages to female colleagues.

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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 21/03/2022 (1644 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Overmars relinquished his sports director role at Ajax last month and apologized for his behavior.

“I want to turn the Ajax page and start a new chapter here,” Overmars was quoted as saying by Belgian media on Monday. “My departure from Ajax was unfortunate. I have to overcome that and move on, that’s what I’m going to do now. What happened at Ajax had no influence on my discussions with Antwerp, which went well. It will not happen again.”

FILE - Marc Overmars of the Netherlands, left, reacts after he missed a chance during the Euro 2004 semi final soccer match between Portugal and the Netherlands at the Jose Alvalade stadium in Lisbon, Portugal, on June 30, 2004. Former Dutch soccer star Marc Overmars was appointed Monday as sports director of Belgian club Royal Antwerp only weeks after he abruptly quit Dutch champion Ajax over accusations of sex harassment. Last month, Overmars relinquished his sports director role at Ajax after apologizing for sending inappropriate messages to female colleagues. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein, File)

Antwerp general manager Sven Jaecques said he did not consult with the female employees of the club before hiring Overmars.

“We are also a club that wants to give people a second chance,” he was quoted as saying.

Overmars was a renowned winger in his playing days for Ajax, Arsenal and Barcelona. He has signed a four-year deal at Antwerp, where he replaced Luciano d’Onofrio.