Former Ajax director Marc Overmars quits position at Royal Antwerp due to health issues

Marc Overmars is quitting his position as technical director of Belgian club Royal Antwerp FC immediately. The former Oranje international and Ajax director has health issues that require him to resign from the position, he has said on the club’s website.

“Unfortunately, the exhaustion and stress that have accumulated over the years came to a head last weekend. As you all know, my health has not been at its best. But now I feel very clearly today that I cannot handle this hectic, stressful professional life,” Overmars said. He had taken over as Antwerp’s technical director in 2022.

Overmars left his position at Ajax after accusations of transgressive behavior with female colleagues. This resulted in a global ban. He suffered a severe heart attack at the end of 2022.

The former Ajax, FC Barcelona, and Arsenal footballer said that he was already discussing a contract extension. “But my health is forcing me to be honest with myself and all the people around me. My energy is completely gone today. If I don’t listen to my body now, then doctors expect that the chance of a bad outcome is very high.”

Overmars added that in this case he had to make the drastic decision and stop his professional career for the time being. Overmars leaves a great legacy behind at Antwerp, where they won the Belgian league title and Belgian cup in 2023.