Marseille step up search for new president as Frank McCourt outlines ideal profile | OneFootball

Marseille are accelerating the hunt for a new president for next season, with applications plentiful and a shortlist being refined, according to L'Équipe.

The new presidency is a priority by June as the club await their final league placing, which will influence parts of the squad and staff. February’s internal reshuffle sidelined president Pablo Longoria, kept director of football Medhi Benatia in post, and installed Alban Juster as interim president.

"My preference is for someone who knows France and Marseille well, because I think it is crucial to understand the club’s culture," said owner Frank McCourt. "The person must also be an experienced, heavyweight manager. As the years go by, we have an increasingly refined understanding of how a club like Marseille should be run, with a strong president who represents the owner."

He was speaking to the JDD last weekend.

The race has since quickened with varied profiles in play, mixing unsolicited approaches and active talks. Among the most discussed options is Mohamed Bouhafsi, as reported by RMC, and some feel he fits McCourt’s brief. However, he is not among the names retained, and the club denied the idea of Pauline Gamerre in late February.

McCourt will make the final decision after refinement by an American agency and advice from the supervisory board, and he would like to settle it before the season ends.

Source: L'Équipe