Marseille to sell before rebuilding after UEFA sanctions, Europa League place intact | OneFootball

Marseille have kept their Europa League place after UEFA gave them one year to balance the books or risk exclusion, but a sales-first rebuild now awaits alongside a €10m fine. According to L'Équipe, this outcome matched the aim of president Stéphane Richard and owner Frank McCourt.

The club framed the decision as a reminder of responsibility, with significant conditions, and said it would work to meet all commitments. The transfer window must deliver a positive balance, and any signings cannot cost more than departures within UEFA’s parameters.

Richard and sporting director Grégory Lorenzi had already planned a sharp cut in spending, targeting more inventive recruitment, homegrown talent and post-academy additions on sensible wages. The Europa League remains a selling point, and uncertainty over possible exclusion had been one of the last doubts around Bruno Genesio taking charge.

Further hurdles remain. The DNCG hearing, initially due on Thursday, has been pushed to 23 June to reflect UEFA’s sanctions, and salary-bill controls are anticipated, which would not alter Marseille’s austerity plan.

Early sales before the end of June are a priority for Lorenzi, though they will not be straightforward. Mason Greenwood is expected to leave this summer, but Roma, the keenest suitor, have also been sanctioned by UEFA for financial issues. To ease their own finances, Marseille have several high earners and will listen to all offers.

Source: L'Équipe