In the midst of the fight for the title in the Netherlands and before the season continues in which Ajax reached the quarterfinals of the Champions League, Amsterdam was shaken by news that Mark Overmars resigned from the position of Ajax sports director even though he extended his contract with the club two months ago until 2026. The reason is inappropriate messages in communication with female colleagues, it was announced on the club’s official website.”Last week, I was confronted with reports of my behavior and how others reacted to it. Unfortunately, I didn’t realize I had crossed the line, but it became clear to me in recent days. As a result, I suddenly felt tremendous pressure.” said Overmars.Sun 18:45: (1.20) Ajax (6.75) Twente (14.0)One of the key people for Ajax’s revolution in recent years, which led the team to the semifinals of the Champions League, made the decision after a meeting with the supervisory board and general manager of the club, Edwin Van der Sar.”For someone in my position, it is unacceptable behavior, I realize it only now. But it is too late. I see no other option than this to leave Ajax. This has a big impact on my situation in private life. So I ask everyone to leave me and my family alone.”, the 48-year-old Dutchman continued.Van der Sar is also aware that Overmars’ irrevocable resignation comes at a very challenging moment for the club, which in recent years has been standing in the ranks of European greats, where they belong.”The situation is terrible. My role is to help my colleagues. A safe working climate is important for everyone in this team and we will pay even more attention to it in the future. Mark and I have played together since the early 1990s, first in Ajax and later in the Dutch national team.”We were colleagues in Ajax for almost ten years, and now it stops very abruptly. We are working on something really beautiful here, so this news will be a blow to everyone who cares about the club. But our ambitions remain the same,” said Van der Sar.🚨 – Van der Sar: “Marc Overmars and I have been playing together since the beginning of the early 90’s, and have been colleagues for almost 10 years. This comes to an end. For everyone who loves Ajax, this will be a huge blow. But our ambitions will remain the same.” pic.twitter.com/ggcxYjzM2x— 𝐀𝐅𝐂 𝐀𝐉𝐀𝐗 💎 (@TheEuropeanLad) February 6, 2022 A reminder, Overmars was Ajax’s first operative since 2012, in his mandate the club spent “only” 345 million USD on signings, while the club more than doubled their earnings – 726 million USD.Ajax is leading in the race for the Eredivisie trophy with five points ahead of PSV, while in just over two weeks, the first game of the Champions League round of 16 matches against Benfica awaits them. We will soon see if this departure will have psychological consequences on the games and results of the team.Who knows, maybe Overmars has now decided on becoming Newcastle’s sports director – the Magpies invited him in recent months to join one of the most ambitious projects in Europe. Of course, if they still want him with this whole scandal in his resume.
