Royal Antwerp FC has expressed its support for Marc Overmars in a statement on the website, who decided on Monday not to appeal further against his worldwide suspension of two years, of which one year is conditional. The fifty-year-old technical director of the Belgians is therefore forced to resign from his duties until mid-November.

Antwerp states on the website that Overmars has informed the club of his decision and indicates that it expects the technical director to return after his suspension. “He has not been active for Antwerp since FIFA's ruling at the beginning of January and it has also been formally agreed to temporarily suspend his work as director of football affairs at Antwerp.”

The reigning national champion of Belgium indicates that Overmars' tasks will be divided among the management and the scouting team until November. The former footballer will then take on his role again. Antwerp remains firmly behind Overmars.

“Upon his arrival in March 2022, the club reported that we had made a careful and well-considered decision. We still believe that everyone should get a second chance. Overmars will continue to carry his past with him and will have to continue to prove that he has learned from it.”

“Unambiguous agreements have also been made because a safe working environment for all our players and employees is a priority and because we have a zero-tolerance policy in the field of undesirable behavior in the workplace,” the Belgians continue.

“The club supports Marc in his decision and we want to collectively support the person we have gotten to know as a person and professional over the past two years. This without making any statements about what happened in the past. We have full confidence that we can continue to count on a positive and safe working environment in the future.”

Overmars accepts worldwide suspension

Frank Neervoort, spokesperson for Overmars, said earlier on Monday The Telegraph know that the Antwerp policy man will not go to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS) to further challenge his worldwide ban.

“Marc, in consultation with his family, has made the decision not to initiate any further proceedings,” Neervoort said. “We are not going to provide any further explanation. Marc is currently also about to go on holiday.”

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