Medhi Benatia Departs Olympique de Marseille Amid Rising Tensions
Benatia Steps Down Amid Turbulence and Fan Unrest at Marseille
- Medhi Benatia resigns as Marseille sporting director, citing a “growing dissatisfaction.”
- His exit follows manager Roberto de Zerbi’s departure after heavy defeats in Ligue 1 and the Champions League.
- Fan protests and unrest at Stade Vélodrome reflect mounting pressure on the club.
Medhi Benatia has stepped down as sporting director of Olympique de Marseille, citing a “growing dissatisfaction” and a rift he “deeply regrets” within the club.
The Moroccan defender-turned-executive left just days after manager Roberto de Zerbi departed by mutual consent following a 5–0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain and Marseille’s recent 3–0 Champions League exit against Club Brugge.
Benatia acknowledged the challenging environment in a statement on social media:
“I am leaving with the feeling that I have done my utmost on a professional level, but with regret that I have not been able to calm the environment around the team. Despite recent setbacks and some cruel sporting scenarios, the project is moving forward. But I cannot ignore the current climate. I feel a growing dissatisfaction, a rift that I deeply regret. In Marseille, results are the only judge.”
The Ligue 1 side currently sits fourth in the table under interim coach Jacques Abardonado. Supporters staged protests during Saturday’s 2–2 draw against Strasbourg, boycotting the opening 15 minutes and whistling the team throughout the match, highlighting the growing unrest at the Stade Vélodrome.
Benatia’s departure underscores the turbulence at Marseille following a string of poor results and managerial upheaval, as the club looks to stabilize its season amid mounting pressure from fans.
