Marc Overmas makes a swift return to football with director role at Antwerp

 

Ex Ajax director Marc Overmas has made a swift return to football after his shock exit at Ajax with a similar role at Belgian side Royal Antwerp. (Photo credit: GOAL)

Marc Overmas, remember him? After leaving Ajax on sexual harassment grounds, the Dutch legend has now been hired as the technical director at Belgian side Royal Antwerp.

Overmas, a cult hero at Arsenal and Barcelona stepped down at Ajax after admitting to sending “inappropriate” messages and photographs to female colleagues at the club, while many were surprised at the incident, he wasn’t indulged and his resignation was quickly accepted.

Ajax chief executive and former Manchester United shot stopper, Edwin van der Sar described the situation at the time as "appalling," while the club's supervisory board chairman Leen Meijaard said Overmars' behaviour was "over the line."

At his presentation at Antwerp, Overmars said the matters at Ajax had been appropriately dealt with and had not impacted his talks with his new employer. You must wonder if he didn’t need any reference from his old job.

"What has happened at Ajax won't happen again," he was quoted as saying by Belgian broadcaster Sporza. "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."

Antwerp manager Sven Jaecques said he had not specifically talked to female workers at his club about the decision to sign Overmars.

"It is important to give people new opportunities and to turn the page," he said.