Marc Overmars resigns as Royal Antwerp sporting director due to health

Marc Overmars has announced his immediate resignation as sporting director of the Belgian club Royal Antwerp due to serious health concerns. In an open letter to supporters, the 53-year-old former Dutch international stated that accumulated fatigue and intense stress have reached a breaking point.

Overmars noted that his energy is completely depleted and that medical professionals have warned of a high risk of a grave outcome if he does not listen to his body. He expressed deep regret at the decision, noting that he had been in discussions regarding a contract extension and wished to remain with the club for several more seasons.

Overmars joined Antwerp in 2022 and was instrumental in the club winning the Belgian double in the 2023/24 season. His tenure followed a controversial departure from Ajax in 2022, where he resigned after admitting to sending inappropriate messages to female colleagues.

Analyst Peter Vandenbempt remarked that the timing of the departure is unfortunate, as the club is currently in a sporting transition phase and requires new leadership to set future directions.