OM: Benatia retained to "oversee" sporting activities, Longoria limited to institutional relations

"Determined to ensure the best interests of Olympique de Marseille and in order to achieve the sporting objectives of the current season, Frank McCourt has asked Medhi Benatia to remain in his role until the end of the season. Aware of his responsibilities towards the institution, Medhi Benatia has agreed to extend his notice period until June and will oversee all sporting activities," said the American owner of OM (Ligue 1 McDonald’s) in a press release published on 17/02/2026.

Medhi Benatia, who joined Olympique de Marseille in November 2023 as a sporting advisor and was appointed director of football in January 2025, had indicated that he had left the club on Sunday 15/02, five days after OM and Italian coach Roberto De Zerbi had "ended their collaboration by mutual agreement" on 10/02/2026.

The former Morocco international’s responsibilities in sporting matters are thus expanded, while those of Pablo Longoria, OM president, are reduced. His "role should evolve towards his institutional responsibilities, in order to maintain Olympique de Marseille’s representation within French…