Marseille President Pablo Longoria Departs, Stéphane Richard Tipped as Successor
Olympique de Marseille is set for a major change at the top, with president Pablo Longoria officially departing the club. According to reports from La Provence, American owner Frank McCourt has selected Stéphane Richard, the former CEO of Orange, as his preferred successor, with an official announcement expected imminently.
Longoria’s departure, confirmed at the end of March, leaves a significant void at the top of the Ligue 1 club. The Spanish executive, who arrived in 2020 as sporting director before becoming president, has been a central figure in the club's recent football operations.
His potential successor, Stéphane Richard, is a high-profile French businessman with a background far from the footballing world. Richard is a graduate of the prestigious HEC Paris business school, a former CEO of telecommunications giant Orange, and a former chief of staff to politicians Jean-Louis Borloo and Christine Lagarde. He currently serves on the supervisory board of the Grand Port Maritime de Marseille.
The move, if confirmed, would represent a significant shift in the club’s leadership profile, moving from a football-focused sporting director to a high-profile executive with a background in major corporations and government. The club's owner, Frank McCourt, appears to be seeking a president with a strong corporate and political profile to lead the club's next phase.
For Marseille, a club with a passionate fanbase and a history of internal turmoil, the stability of the presidency is crucial. Longoria’s tenure saw the club return to the UEFA Champions League but also navigate significant financial and sporting challenges. The appointment of a figure like Richard suggests a potential shift in strategic focus towards institutional and commercial growth, aligning with McCourt's long-term vision for the club.
The official announcement is anticipated to be made at a press conference scheduled for Friday morning, where Frank McCourt is expected to outline the new direction for the club under its prospective new leadership.
