The Transition at Olympique de Marseille
As of March 2026, Olympique de Marseille (OM) is in the midst of significant restructuring following the departure of Pablo Longoria, who has served as both sporting director and president. Although discussions surrounding his exit began on February 19, it took a month for the club and Longoria to formally agree on the conditions of his departure.
In an official statement, McCourt Global expressed gratitude for Longoria’s six years with the club, emphasizing his commitment, passion, and the impact he had during his tenure. Longoria reciprocated by thanking the club, its collaborators, and the supporters for the unique experience he had at OM.
Immediate Aftermath of Longoria’s Exit
With Longoria’s departure, OM is faced with the immediate task of finding a suitable successor. For now, Alban Juster has stepped into the role, albeit temporarily, as Frank McCourt looks for a more permanent solution. Reports suggest that OM is actively engaged in behind-the-scenes efforts to identify potential candidates for the presidency.
The Search for a New President
To facilitate this search, Frank McCourt has enlisted the services of Excel Sports Management, renowned for their expertise in sports executive recruitment. They are tasked with identifying various profiles for the role, with McCourt responsible for making the final selection.
The recruitment process aims to ensure OM finds a leader who can navigate the complexities of managing a high-profile club like Marseille.
Key Figures in the Recruitment Process
Interestingly, Scheherazade Semsar de Boisséson, who serves as the Vice-Chair of the Supervisory Board, plays a crucial role in the search process. While she has been scrutinized for her growing influence and is facing criticism from supporters due to her views on external conflicts, she is anticipated to hold a significant position in the club’s future even if she does not take the presidency. Alongside Jeff Ingram, the Chairman of the Board, she will assist in identifying potential candidates to fill Longoria’s shoes.
What’s Next for OM?
The decision-making process, as clarified by a source, will respect the roles and statuses of all involved, culminating in McCourt’s ultimate selection. There is considerable interest in what profile McCourt will choose, especially given that Longoria and his predecessor, Eyraud, possessed contrasting leadership styles. The expectations are high, as the new president will need to handle the club’s myriad challenges effectively.
As the hunt for the new president intensifies, fans and stakeholders eagerly await news of the new leadership that will shape the club’s future.