Arsenal legend Marc Overmars hit with a one-year BAN from Dutch football after admitting to sending inappropriate messages to female colleagues during his time as director of football at Ajax

Marc Overmars has been suspended from football activities in the Netherlands for one year after admitting to sending inappropriate messages to female colleagues during his time at Ajax.

The Arsenal legend, had been director of football at the Dutch side, before he left the club in February 2022 following the messages which took place ‘over an extended period of time’. 

Overmars, who played for Ajax, Barcelona and the Netherlands during his legendary playing career, said at the time that he was ‘ashamed’ of his ‘unacceptable behaviour’.

As reported by The Athletic, Overmars has been ordered by the Dutch Sports Tribunal (ISR) to refrain from ‘exercising any function’ with any Dutch FA-affiliated organisation for a period of two years – one of which is suspended. 

However, the ban won’t affect his position at Belgian side Royal Antwerp – who he joined one month after his Ajax departure. 

Overmars previously left Ajax after sending inappropriate messages to female colleagues

The ISR though have claimed the suspension could be submitted to world governing body FIFA for further review. 

His current side Royal Antwerp have not commented on the matter.

Overmars, announcing his departure from Ajax last year, said: ‘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.’

Overmars was part of the Arsenal team that won the Premier League and FA Cup double in 1998, during a three-year stint with the Gunners. 

Overmars played for Arsenal (pictured), Ajax and Barcelona during his legendary career