He left Ajax on Sunday
Marc Overmars has been removed from FIFA Ultimate Team following a text messaging scandal that saw him leave his role as Ajax’s director of football.
The Dutch club confirmed his departure last Sunday following ‘A series of inappropriate messages sent to several female colleagues over an extended period of time.’
Overmars admitted he was ‘ashamed’ of his actions, adding: “Unfortunately, I didn’t realise that I was crossing the line with this, but that was made clear to me in recent days. I suddenly felt enormous pressure. I apologise. Certainly for someone in my position, this behaviour is unacceptable. I now see that too. But it is too late. I see no other option but to leave Ajax.”
And the former Arsenal and Barcelona winger has now been removed from FIFA’s Ultimate Team mode, in which he featured among the ‘icon’ cards.
An on-screen message to FUT players read: “To the FIFA community, Marc Overmars has been suspended from appearing in FIFA Ultimate Team Packs and Ultimate Draft. As such, Marc Overmars ICON items will no longer be made available in Packs, SBCs and FUT Draft, and their range in the Transfer Market has been fixed until further notice. The FIFA Team.”
Included in the statement from Ajax last Sunday, Supervisory Board chairman Leen Meijaard said: “This is a dramatic situation for everyone who is involved in any way.
“It is devastating for the women who have had to deal with the behaviour. When we heard news of this, we immediately acted, carefully deliberating and weighing what was the best thing to do – all in consultation with CEO Edwin van der Sar and assisted by an external expert.
“Marc is probably the best football director that Ajax has had. We upgraded and extended his contract for a reason. But, unfortunately, he has really gone over the line, so continuing as director was not an option, as he recognised himself. It is extremely painful for everyone. I want to express the wish that everyone involved is given the peace and privacy to process this.”
