Marc Overmars, who was accused of sending lewd texts to women members of staff after leaving Ajax, had just weeks before he landed a new job as sporting director.
The Dutchman was appointed Ajax’s director football in 2012 and he oversaw a remarkable period of success during his decade with the club. Ajax won four Eredivise title titles, two KNVB Cups, and reached the semi-finals in the Champions League during this period.
After Ajax issued a statement alleging that he sent a “series of inappropriate messages” to female staff members over an “extended period of [time],” he was disgraced and left the Johan Cruyff arena in February. Although he was out of work since the statement, it appears that he is now back in football.
Royal Antwerp’s new technical director has been named as Overmars. According to the Belgian side, Overmars’ departure from Ajax is a private matter and they are instead focusing on his “enormous track record” as an executive at Dutch giants.
Antwerp is hoping Overmars can help them achieve a new period in sustained success after last winning the Belgian title for Antwerp in 1957. They have now been overtaken by Paul Gheysens (a construction magnet) who is believed to be the country’s richest man.
Overmars, at his unveiling in Antwerp on Monday said that similar issues would never arise again. “What has happened at Ajax won’t happen again”Sporza, a Belgian broadcaster, quoted him as saying.
“I am glad to be here. It is a new chapter for me. A beautiful challenge at a club where I see potential to grow.”
Sven Jaecques, Antwerp’s manager, claimed that Overmars deserved another chance. “It is important to give people new opportunities and to turn the page”He said,
They still have a long way to go to reach their goal, currently sitting third in the Belgian Pro League and 11 points behind leaders Royal Union Saint-Gilloise. Gheysens signed Radja Nainggolan last year, so it is possible that Overmars’ appointment is not his first’stunt.
Ajax are still yet to appoint a successor for the disgraced Overmars. However, they are believed to have offered the position to Johan Cruyff’s younger brother Jordi. He is currently in a similar role at Barcelona, so any return could prove difficult to facilitate.
