Marc Overmars quits Ajax after sending ‘inappropriate messages’ to female colleagues

An ‘ashamed’ Marc Overmars has apologised and confirmed he will leave his role at Ajax after a series of ‘inappropriate messages’ he sent to female colleagues came to light.

Overmars, 48, who was appointed Ajax’s director of football in July 2012, will depart the Eredivisie champions with immediate effect.

The Dutchman had built up a stellar reputation across his near decade-long reign in the position and recently extended his contract in Amsterdam until the summer of 2026.

But Overmars, formerly of Arsenal and Barcelona, leaves in disgrace after being confronted over his behaviour which he now accepts was ‘unacceptable’ and ‘crossed the line’.

‘I am ashamed,’ the ex-Netherlands winger said in a statement.

‘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.’

Ajax’s supervisory board chairman, Leen Meijaard, condemned Overmars’ behaviour and said it had a ‘devastating’ impact on the women involved.

‘This is a dramatic situation for everyone who is involved in any way,’ he told the club’s official website.

‘It is devastating for the women who have had to deal with the behaviour.

‘When we heard news of this, we immediately acted, carefully deliberating and weighing what was the best thing to do – all in consultation with CEO Edwin van der Sar and assisted by