Why Stéphane Richard was chosen to lead OM as McCourt opts for executive rigour | OneFootball

Stéphane Richard, 64, was unveiled as Marseille president on Friday morning, signalling a shift to executive rigour and a calmer tone.

According to L'Équipe, Frank McCourt held his first press conference since August 2016, quashing hopes of an immediate sale and instead installing Richard, a former Orange chief with a heavyweight public service CV, political network and meticulous style.

McCourt said Marseille needs a strong leader with executive experience and that Richard fit the brief after a probing dinner in London. He intends to stay owner for a long time and remains open to a strategic partner.

Richard stressed easing tensions, particularly with supporters, and the need to repair the club’s local image, while noting the capital’s jibes. His measured persona contrasts with the more combustible De Zerbi, Longoria and Benatia set-up.

Early tasks include hiring a new football director to replace Benatia, who leaves at season’s end, and reshaping the squad. Two days after the club posted a record €105 million loss for 2024-2025, Richard pointed to economic constraints and the limits of pure spending, citing Liverpool’s last summer window.

The ex-Orange boss plans to tighten costs and diversify revenues, drawing on big-company experience that included dealing with CMA CGM matters at Bercy. He starts on 2 July but will oversee June’s DNCG review, which could be tricky if OM do not qualify directly for the next Champions League.

He has roots in the city, having studied at Lycée Marseilleveyre. McCourt conceded he had not fully grasped a decade ago the scale required to fund OM, yet said involvement remains a joy, while Richard continues advisory work on mergers and acquisitions as he prepares to take office. Six Ligue 1 matches remain.

Source: L'Équipe