The international football governing body, FIFA, has imposed sanctions on Marc Overmars, the former Ajax player and ex-Dutch international, after allegations related to sending inappropriate images to women were investigated. A report from NRC outlined the disciplinary action and the reasoning behind it.
The disciplinary committee ruled that Overmars will be barred from participating in any football-related activities on a worldwide basis. The official announcement noted that these sanctions were issued at the request of the Royal Dutch Football Association and will apply across all competitions and roles connected to the sport.
As a result of the decision, Overmars is required to relinquish his role as sporting director of the Belgian club Antwerp with immediate effect. The ruling effectively ends his current leadership position and restricts any future football involvement under FIFA governance.
Overmars previously stepped down from his position as sporting director at Ajax at the start of 2022 after it emerged that he had sent explicit images to club employees without their consent. He had already faced a suspension from football activities in the Netherlands in November 2023 as part of the consequences from the earlier incident.
During his playing career, Overmars spent significant years with Ajax from 1992 to 1997. He also had spells with Arsenal in London and Barcelona, contributing to a notable club career that included earning a place in the Dutch national team. The Netherlands squad secured bronze medals at two European Championships, in 2000 and 2004, with Overmars as a member of the squad during those tournaments.
In related comments, a figure named Guberniev stated that he felt embarrassment on behalf of the RPL club in connection with the case and the broader situation surrounding the club and its management. The remarks reflected a sense that the incident had created a negative impression of the organization involved.