McCourt Names Stéphane Richard President of Olympique de Marseille

Overview

• Frank McCourt announced Stéphane Richard as club president on Friday during a press event at the Stade Vélodrome.
• Richard will take office after a transition that runs through July 2, with his official start set for early July.
• McCourt called Richard the ideal choice for his executive experience and local knowledge, and Richard vowed to pacify the club’s environment and reengage fans.
• Marseille sit fourth in Ligue 1 with Champions League qualification on the line, one point behind third-place Lille and level with fifth-place Monaco, where the top three qualify directly and fourth enters qualifying.
• The role opens after a turbulent stretch that saw coach Roberto De Zerbi depart following heavy defeats and a Champions League exit, and the front office change following Pablo Longoria’s departure, with Richard’s past at Orange underscored by the stadium’s 2016 renaming to Orange Vélodrome.