Former Barcelona and Arsenal winger Marc Overmars has been banned from football by FIFA for sexual harassment. The Dutchman was in charge as Sporting Director at Royal Antwerp from March of 2022,
But has forced to leave his position.
Overmars was operating at Ajax in the same role until February of 2022, after a scandal broke that several employees had accused him of sexual harassment,
Including sending inappropriate photos while in the role.
The Royal Dutch Football Federation (KNVB) had suspended him for a year, with a potential to extend that ban for a further year, but just a month later, he was in the Antwerp job.
As per MD, FIFA have on Wednesday agreed to uphold that ban on a global level, meaning Overmars is unable to take on any role in football until January of 2025 at the earliest. They agreed with the KNVB that his ban should not be restrict to just the Netherlands.
Barcelona and Arsenal legend found guilty in sexual harassment
Overmars came through at Ajax and won the Champions League there before moving onto Arsenal. Joining Barcelona in 2000, Overmars decided to retire four years later, despite still having time left on his contract.
In a similar fashion to what recently happened with Luis Rubiales, FIFA has decided to ban Marc Overmars from football-related activities worldwide,
Following the scandal he involved in at Ajax in 2022, amidst allegations of sexual harassment.
“FIFA can confirm that, upon a request from the Dutch Football Association (KNVB),
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has decided to extend the sanction imposed by the KNVB on Mr. Marc Overmars to have worldwide effect,” reads the statement accessed by BBC.
It should be recalled that the former sports director of Ajax was accused of sending explicit photos to club employees, ultimately being relieved of his duties in any team in the Netherlands,
A measure that will now be extend globally.
It is worth mentioning that Marc Overmars, a former Barcelona star,
Currently held the position of sports director at Antwerp (FC Porto’s opponent in the Champions League).
