January 10 – Former Dutch international Marc Overmars has had his ban from Dutch football extended worldwide by FIFA.
An independent Dutch sports tribunal banned Overmars (pictured) for two years – with one year suspended – in November 2023 for sending inappropriate messages to female colleagues “over a period of time”.
The suspension relates to Overmars’ time at Ajax where he quit as director of football in February 2022 admitting he was “ashamed” of his “unacceptable behaviour”. He is currently technical director at Belgian side Royal Antwerp.
“FIFA can confirm that following a request by the Royal Netherlands Football Association (KNVB), the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has decided to extend the sanction imposed by KNVB on Mr Marc Overmars to have worldwide effect,” read a FIFA statement.
During a stellar career, Overmars played for Arsenal, Barcelona and Ajax before turning to football administration. He won the Champions League at Ajax before becoming a member of the Arsenal squad that won the League and FA Cup double in 1998.
Internationally, he represented the Netherlands at four major tournaments – the 1994 and 1998 World Cups and 2000 and 2004 European championships.
It is unclear whether Overmars will now quit Antwerp though he is reportedly permitted to appeal.
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