Medhi Benatia to lead sporting operations at Marseille as Pablo Longoria’s role is scaled back | OneFootball

Medhi Benatia to lead sporting operations at Marseille as Pablo Longoria’s role is scaled back | OneFootball

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·17 February 2026

Medhi Benatia to lead sporting operations at Marseille as Pablo Longoria’s role is scaled back

Article image:Medhi Benatia to lead sporting operations at Marseille as Pablo Longoria’s role is scaled back

Medhi Benatia will stay on as Marseille’s director of football until the end of the season, the owner said in a statement on Tuesday. Pablo Longoria’s role should shift towards institutional duties.

It marks a sharp U-turn after Benatia announced his resignation on Sunday via social media. He has accepted Frank McCourt’s request to continue through the campaign.


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The statement set out that Benatia will lead all sporting activities.

Longoria, president since February 2021, has been under pressure after a Champions League exit, a 0-5 defeat in Paris and Roberto De Zerbi’s resignation.

McCourt is coming to Marseille to take responsibility again and keep the club focused on its objectives. Under Benatia’s supervision, the appointment of a new head coach will be announced soon. The owner has also scheduled a meeting with the club’s ultras in the early afternoon.

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