https://talksport.com/football/10420...duct-contract/
Ajax were aware of the allegations against Marc Overmars that led to him leaving the club before the former director signed a new contract.
Overmars stepped down from his role as the Dutch club’s director of football at the start of February, with the side citing a ‘series of inappropriate messages sent to several female colleagues over an extended period of time’.
The former Arsenal winger had been in his post for almost a decade before departing, saying he was ‘ashamed’ by his ‘unacceptable behaviour’.
However, the 48-year-old signed a contract extension in January, with chief executive Edwin van der Sar admitting Ajax were aware of his misconduct before offering the deal.
“It was just before January 28 [we were made aware],” the former Manchester United goalkeeper said. “We wanted to investigate this first before publicising this or postponing the extension.
“Only later did we get a broader picture of the behaviour and action was taken.”
Overmars himself eventually took the decision to leave but good friend and former teammate Van der Sar received criticism for his silence over the matter.
The Dutchman, speaking ahead of Ajax’s 5-0 Eredivisie win over FC Twente, said the delay was due to prioritising the victims of Overmars’ inappropriate messages.
He also said he had no knowledge of Overmars’ misconduct saying: “That is why I am disappointed and very sad about this whole affair.
“The fact that we did not come out earlier, except for the press release, is because my priority as general manager of Ajax was with the victims and the internal organisation.”
Overmars was the subject of interest from Newcastle before opting to stay in Amsterdam in a deal that secured him a bonus of €1.25million (£1.05m).
Van der Sar was asked if the money would be returned, and said: “What happens with this is a matter for the supervisory board.”
The former shot-stopper also told De Telegraaf he considered stepping down over the situation, but wants to, ‘guide Ajax to the finish line in a good way and continue what we are doing.’
