Marseille President Longoria Departs Amid Crisis

Marseille, France – Olympique de Marseille announced on Monday the departure of its president, Pablo Longoria, marking the latest leadership change amid an ongoing institutional crisis at the Ligue 1 club.

Longoria, who had served as president since February 2021 after joining the club as sporting director in July 2020, left by mutual agreement, according to a club statement. His exit follows the resignation of coach Roberto De Zerbi in February, prompted by a 0-5 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the season's Le Classique match. De Zerbi's departure was followed by the resignation of football director Mehdi Benatia, who stepped down until the end of the current season. Longoria was sidelined last month and has been replaced on an interim basis by Alban Juster as chairman of the board through the season's conclusion.

The club acknowledged Longoria's contributions in its statement, noting his "commitment, passion, and work accomplished over the past six years in service of the club" and wishing him success in future endeavors. Prior to his role in Marseille, the Spaniard had worked as a scout for clubs including Newcastle United, Sassuolo, Atalanta, Juventus, and Valencia.