Marseille ‘extremely shocked’ by allegations against sporting director Medhi Benatia | OneFootball

Olympique de Marseille have condemned a series of allegations concerning sporting director Medhi Benatia, responding at their pre-match press conference. La Provence reported the claims in a three-part investigation published this morning.

Club communications director Bel-Abbès Bouaissi said OM had been shocked by the publication, describing it as accusatory, built on dubious sources, and offering little chance for reply. He added that such an approach undermines the work of the club and its staff at a crucial time, which requires calm and collective responsibility.

The report said around 20 anonymous sources detailed Benatia’s rise and growing influence across youth development, communication and first-team affairs, with his involvement reportedly causing tension with former Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi. In one case, executive Cécilia Barontini filed a police incident report after a dispute with Benatia over several topics including the signing of Mason Greenwood.

The investigation also suggested Greenwood was almost forced out following tensions with Benatia, who frequently criticised the forward’s commitment and work rate. It claimed Greenwood was close to being made available for transfer because he was not contributing enough defensively, and that he reportedly avoided the sporting director around the club.

Marseille are third in Ligue 1 after overtaking Lyon in the race for the podium and direct Champions League qualification. Les Olympiens host AJ Auxerre on Friday evening at the Stade Vélodrome, having beaten Toulouse 1-0 last weekend.

Source: GetFootballNewsFrance.com