Marseille owner Frank McCourt rejected club president Pablo Longoria’s resignation
American Olympique de Marseille owner Frank McCourt has rejected the resignation of club president Pablo Longoria, according to a report from L’Equipe. The Spaniard, as well as Sporting director Javier Ribalta, Financial director Stéphane Tessier and Strategy director Pedro Iriondo, have all decided to step back from their roles at Marseille. The four OM executives were at the receiving end of heavy criticism and, reportedly, thinly veiled threats from representatives of fan groups during an insult-ridden meeting on Monday evening.
On Tuesday, it has been reported that Spanish head coach Marcelino – stunned by the contents of the meeting – had announced his departure from the club after only seven competitive games in charge. His resignation has been made official this Wednesday. On Thursday, Marseille will play AFC Ajax for their Europa League group stage opener at Amsterdam. Assistant coach Jacques “Pancho” Abardonado will oversee Les Phocéens’ game.
L’Equipe mentions that McCourt finds himself in an awkward situation given no one is actually in charge at Marseille to find a replacement for Marcelino. Sporting director Ribalta and Strategy director Iriondo have reportedly already left Marseille. Ribalta even hinted his history with OM had ended. However, the American majority shareholder has no intention to accept the four executives’ resignations. In addition to the financial cost, McCourt would need to fill an immense vacuum of responsibilities at Marseille all on his own. The American has left Longoria a blank cheque to oversee the club’s transformation.
GFFN | Bastien Cheval
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