Marseille brace for massive flash sale to prevent UEFA expulsion | OneFootball

Olympique de Marseille’s dire financial situation will force them to hold a flash sale before June 30, according to Foot Mercato. The outlet understands that the squad as a whole has been transfer-listed to raise funds. Marseille’s business model revolves about them being qualified for Champions League football, in a context of severe austerity within French football, which stemmed from the TV rights debacle.

But Marseille are no longer able to qualify for Europe’s premier club competition next season. At best, should they beat fifth-placed Rennes, they’ll reach the Europa League group stage. Given that Marseille have already record a whopping €104m loss last season, their financial situation is closely monitored by both DNCG – Direction Nationale du Contrôle de Gestion, French football’s financial watchdog – and UEFA’s Club Financial Control Body.

Foot Mercato reports that fears of severe sanctions, such as expulsion from UEFA competitions, are very concrete inside Marseille’s La Commanderie headquarters. Internally, the situation is seen as worse than Lyon’s during the ownership of John Textor. The outlet understands that even recent signings that performed well this campaign – such as Nayef Aguerd, Timothy Weah, Facundo Medina, Quinten Timber and Igor Paixão – could be sold if it suits all parties involved.

Leonardo Balerdi and Maston Greenwood are already expected to depart. Such a mass exodus, and the replacement of the departing players, means that Marseille’s soon-to-be-announced Sporting Director will have a monumental task on his hands.

GFFN | Bastien Cheval