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McCourt Keeps Benatia at Marseille, Narrows Longoria’s Role in Governance Shake-Up

Benatia is tasked with overseeing all sporting activities through the end of the season.

Overview

  • Owner Frank McCourt confirmed Tuesday that Medhi Benatia will stay on after publicly announcing his resignation, reversing the exit he revealed on Instagram.
  • Benatia will lead the club’s football department and take charge of selecting the next head coach following Roberto De Zerbi’s departure by mutual consent.
  • Pablo Longoria’s remit will shift to institutional representation within French and European bodies, curtailing his day-to-day influence on sporting decisions.
  • McCourt traveled to Marseille and is engaging with supporter groups after ultras protests escalated during Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Strasbourg; assistant Jacques Abardonado remains in interim charge.
  • Recent setbacks — including a 5-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain and a 3-0 Champions League defeat at Club Brugge — have fueled discontent and prompted the owner-led restructuring.