Ajax is starting disciplinary proceedings after the issue surrounding the cross-border behavior of director of football affairs Marc Overmars, the KNVB informed the NOS on Tuesday. The management of the Amsterdam club wants to know whether the driver who has since left has committed criminal acts in the Johan Cruijff ArenA. According to the KNVB, a pre-announcement has already been made to the Institute for Sports Law (ISR) regarding Overmars.
The ISR must investigate as an independent body whether Overmars has been punished with his behavior towards some female Ajax employees. It is emphasized on Tuesday that an official report from the board of the leader in the Eredivisie is still being awaited. If the disciplinary procedure is actually continued by Ajax, Overmars must take into account a disciplinary case.
NRC reveals the behavior and dirty nickname of Marc Overmars
The newspaper spoke to eleven women about their experiences with the director who left Ajax.
Director Henk van Aller of the ISR emphasizes to the NOS that players and trainers must immediately report abuses and transgressive behavior as soon as they receive knowledge about it. These agreements have been made with all sports associations in the Netherlands, including the KNVB. Van Aller expects that Ajax will file a report with the ISR in the very short term. Incidentally, the institute can also start an investigation on its own initiative based on the information already provided by Ajax about Overmars. Reports in the various media will also be included.
Ajax is obliged to report abuses and transgressive behaviour, just like the other sports authorities in the Netherlands. The club management in Amsterdam does not yet want to comment on the news about a possible disciplinary case. Van Aller added on Tuesday that the investigations that ISR conducts are led by various public prosecutors, who in that case act as special prosecutors. About 25 independent investigators, most of them with criminal investigation experience, will review the facts and circumstances. If there is a serious criminal offense, consultation will be held with the police. Victims are also asked whether they want to file a report against Overmars.
Fatima Moreira de Melo very critical of Overmars and Van der Sar . statements
On Monday, RTL Boulevard criticized the departed director of football affairs and the general director.
Based on the findings of the investigators, the special counsel will put forward a conclusion. In that case, the case may end up at the disciplinary court, although it is also possible that a settlement proposal is made. If there is insufficient evidence against Overmars, a dismissal will follow. Should the departed director be prosecuted, the hearings will not be open to the public.
Ajax announced late on Sunday evening that Overmars will no longer function as director of football affairs, as he has committed transgressive behavior towards female employees. It NRC Handelsblad spoke with eleven women about their experiences with Overmars within Ajax. There has been ‘whispering’ in several departments within the club for years about Overmars’ dealings with women. Some employees even nicknamed him “horny cousin.”
Three women say he forced himself on them. “Some were confused about his behavior, had no idea how to respond to compliments about their appearance or proposals to have a drink together,” the newspaper said. Other women felt compelled to answer his texts. Then Overmars wanted to hear what they were doing, who they were with, what they were wearing and asked for compliments. The women who have told their story wish to remain anonymous. Their names are known to the newspaper.