The NRC Handelsblad newspaper has collected evidence and spoken with some of Marc Overmars’ harassment victims.
The former Barcelona player resigned from his position as Sporting Director of Ajax a few days ago after a series of inappropriate messages that he sent to several club collaborators were released.
According to a club statement, the 48-year-old, who won the Champions League with Ajax as a player in 1995, shared his “shame” and acknowledged “having pushed the limits”.
NRC Handelsblad has delved into the case and managed to speak to eleven female club workers, who commented: “Some were confused by his behavior, had no idea how to respond to compliments on their appearance or proposals to have a drink together.
There is no open atmosphere to deal with this abuse of power. Subordinates keep quiet. The few who seek an answer do not find it. There are rumors, and nothing is done. Stereotypical jokes are made, and subordinate women are frequently criticized for their appearance. As a woman at Ajax you have to have a double layer of skin. If you don’t have that or you don’t accept it, your days are numbered.”
According to the interviewees’ testimony, Overmars had earned the nickname of horny cousin and even sent unsolicited dick pics on some occasions.
“Sometimes he goes further, like now. Overmars has sent a photo. A picture of his penis. And she is not the first to receive them. Nor the last one” mentioned one of the affected who preferred to remain anonymous.
Ajax are looking for a replacement for Overmars, but the case has deeply affected the club, as his shares have fallen 5% in the financial market since the scandal was revealed.