Marseille owner rejects Mehdi Benatia resignation at Marseille | OneFootball

Resignation rejected as Marseille owner steps in

Marseille owner rejects Mehdi Benatia resignation at Marseille

Marseille owner Frank McCourt rejected Mehdi Benatia’s resignation and confirmed he will remain sporting director until June 2026.

Benatia’s exit bid blocked

Former Morocco defender Mehdi Benatia has remained in his role as sporting director of Marseille after club owner Frank McCourt turned down his resignation.

Benatia had decided to step away on 15 February following difficult period for the club marked by poor results and the recent separation from head coach Roberto De Zerbi.

The situation worsened after heavy 5-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.

Owner shows full confidence

Despite the turbulent run, McCourt chose to keep Benatia in place and renewed his trust in the former defender. The Marseille owner confirmed that Benatia will stay on as sporting director until June 2026.

Following the decision, Benatia was granted full sporting authority including responsibility for all football-related matters and the appointment of the club’s next head coach.

At the same time, the role of club president Pablo Longoria was reduced to institutional duties and official representation, away from day to day sporting decisions.

“No Conspiracy” behind coaching change

Benatia later spoke publicly to address the recent events at the club. In comments reported by Journal du Dimanche, he denied any hidden agenda behind De Zerbi’s departure.

“There was no conspiracy” Benatia said. He explained that he accepted McCourt’s request to stay because he felt a strong sense of responsibility toward the club.

He added that he could not walk away from Marseille during such a difficult moment.

Benatia also rejected claims that he was seeking more power within the club stressing that his decision was driven by loyalty and concern for stability.

A project still moving forward

Benatia joined Marseille in November 2023 as sporting advisor before taking over as sporting director in January 2025.

Despite recent setbacks, he believes the club’s long-term project remains on track even if results have been disappointing.