Dutch football association submits suspension of Antwerp TD Marc Overmars to FIFA

The Dutch Football Association (KNVB) has submitted its one-year suspension of Marc Overmars to FIFA. If FIFA turns the suspension into a worldwide ban, it could prevent Overmars from continuing his work as technical director at Antwerp.

The suspension was handed down in November by the Instituut Sportrechtspraak (ISR) for sexually transgressive behaviour at Dutch football club AFC Ajax.

"We are obliged by international regulations to report this suspension to FIFA"

"As the KNVB, we are obliged by international regulations to report this suspension to FIFA. FIFA will make its own assessment," clarified a KNVB spokeswoman.

The former Netherlands international was sacked by Ajax in February 2022 after it emerged he had sent photos of his genitals to female colleagues. He was later also accused of groping several female Ajax players.

Second chance

Just a month after the dismissal, Overmars was unveiled as the new technical director of Royal Antwerp FC. That came as a shock to the Dutch, who were surprised by the speed of the appointment and felt it sent the wrong message. During Overmars' presentation, Antwerp said it was "a club that wants to give people a second chance".

Overmars, whose contract expires in 2026, has apologised for his behaviour. He could still appeal against the ISR's decision.

^{© BELGA PHOTO TOM GOYVAERTS}