Marseille Mayor Backs New OM President Stéphane Richard

Stéphane Richard, former head of the Orange group, has been appointed president of Olympique de Marseille (OM) following the departure of Pablo Longoria. Marseille Mayor Benoît Payan told BFM Marseille that Richard is taking over during a “very complicated” moment after the club finished fifth in the 2025-2026 season.

Why is Stéphane Richard taking over OM?

Richard assumes the presidency to lead the club through upcoming seasons. He replaces Pablo Longoria in a move described as the start of a “new chapter” for the organization.

The transition follows a difficult 2025-2026 campaign. According to club data, OM finished the season in 5th place with 59 points.

Did You Know? Olympique de Marseille finished the 2025-2026 season with 59 points, which placed them 5th and resulted in a qualification for the Europa League league phase instead of the Champions League.

What were the 2025-2026 season results?

The club failed to meet its primary objective of qualifying for the Champions League. Because of their 5th-place finish, OM will instead compete in the next edition of the Europa League.

Mayor Benoît Payan, a noted fan of the club, indicated that the team’s performance needs significant improvement. He stated on BFM Marseille that he wants a team that is “constant” and “does not make us ashamed anymore.”

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that Richard’s appointment comes with immediate pressure to stabilize the club’s competitive standing. The Mayor’s public demand for consistency suggests that the new president’s success may be measured by rapid performance gains and the ability to reorganize the squad.

How does the Mayor of Marseille view the transition?

Benoît Payan characterized Richard’s decision to accept the role as “very courageous” given the current difficulties facing the club. The Mayor noted that Richard’s actions will be closely monitored.

OM: Who is Stéphane Richard, the new president of Olympique de Marseille?

Payan observed that the new president “will have to reorganize his club” to ensure the team becomes performant quickly.

What happens next for the club?

Stéphane Richard may begin a reorganization of the club’s internal structure to improve on-field results. A possible next step involves building a squad capable of maintaining consistency across the season.

The club is likely to focus on its Europa League campaign as it attempts to return to its primary goal of Champions League qualification in future seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the new president of Olympique de Marseille?
Stéphane Richard, the former head of the Orange group, has taken the presidency following Pablo Longoria’s departure.

Where did OM finish in the 2025-2026 season?
The club finished in 5th place with 59 points.

Which European competition will OM play in next?
The club will participate in the league phase of the next Europa League edition.

Do you think a change in presidency is the fastest way to bring consistency back to the pitch?