American owner Olympique de Marseille Frank McCourt is expected in Marseille on Tuesday in what could prove a decisive moment amid the club’s escalating sporting and institutional crisis. McCourt has remained silent since tensions intensified in recent days, but his physical presence in the city signals that key decisions may be imminent concerning the future of president Pablo Longoria, according to La Provence.
Club president Pablo Longoria remains in post for now, but his position appears increasingly fragile. The Spaniard has come under sustained criticism following supporter unrest and growing dissatisfaction with results following the departure of Roberto De Zerbi and sporting director Medhi Benatia.
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During Saturday’s 2-2 draw against RC Strasbourg at the Orange Vélodrome, banners targeting Longoria were displayed, while reports emerged of attempted incursions into presidential areas after the match. Longoria had already come close to resigning in autumn 2023 after a confrontation with supporter groups.
McCourt has intervened directly in moments of crisis before. In February 2021, he travelled to Marseille to remove Jacques-Henri Eyraud as president, promote Longoria, and oversee the appointment of Jorge Sampaoli as head coach.
GFFN | George Boxall