Mehdi Benatia to depart Olympique Marseille at season's end

Mehdi Benatia, former Moroccan international, will leave his position at Olympique Marseille at the end of the current season. Club owner Mr. McCourt stated that Benatia had been prepared to leave earlier, but McCourt requested he stay until the season concluded, which Benatia accepted. Benatia had announced his intention to resign in February, shortly after coach Roberto De Zerbi's departure. However, the American owner had initially rejected his resignation, emphasizing the club's need to achieve its sporting objectives for the season. The press conference also included the announcement of Stéphane Richard, former CEO of Orange, as the new president of Olympique Marseille, replacing Pablo Longoria, who had been in the role since 2021. Olympique Marseille, currently fourth in Ligue 1, is set to play Metz in an important match for Champions League qualification.