Sports
Fifa extends Overmars ban to global game
Ex-Netherlands winger Marc Overmars’ suspension from holding a post in Dutch football has been extended to a global ban by world governing body Fifa.
An independent Dutch sports tribunal banned Overmars for two years – with one year suspended – in November 2023.
The punishment followed his sending a “series of inappropriate messages to several female colleagues” while he was director of football at Ajax.
Overmars, 50, left his role at Ajax in February 2022.
He is currently technical director at Belgian side Royal Antwerp.
“Fifa can confirm that following a request by the Royal Netherlands Football Association (KNVB), the Fifa Disciplinary Committee has decided to extend the sanction imposed by KNVB on Mr Marc Overmars to have worldwide effect,” read a Fifa statement.
Overmars made more than 130 appearances for Ajax between 1992 and 1997 and won three league titles, the Dutch cup and the Champions League before joining Arsenal, where he won the Double with the Gunners.
He later joined Barcelona, and following retirement he spent 10 years as director of football affairs at Ajax.
“I am ashamed,” Overmars said in 2022 when he left Ajax because of his messages to female colleagues.
“Certainly for someone in my position this behaviour is unacceptable. I now see that but it is too late. I see no other option but to leave Ajax.”