Benatia to Oversee Sporting Decisions at Marseille for Rest of Season

Medhi Benatia will continue at Olympique Marseille as the club’s sporting director, overseeing all sporting decisions through June 2026, following a request from the club’s owners despite his earlier resignation, according to football journalist Fabrizio Romano.

A communiqué from OM’s ownership confirmed that Benatia who had offered his resignation amid a turbulent period for the Ligue 1 side, will now stay in his role until the end of the season, coordinating the club’s sporting strategy and operations.

The announcement also indicated that Pablo Longoria’s role will shift toward institutional responsibilities, representing Marseille in French and European football circles, while Benatia assumes broader control of day-to-day sporting matters.

This decision provides stability after recent leadership upheaval, including the departure of head coach Roberto De Zerbi and internal uncertainty around club direction.

Benatia, the former Morocco international and ex-Juventus/Bayern Munich defender joined OM’s management team in 2023 and has played a key role in shaping the club’s sporting identity.

“According to Fabrizio Romano, all decisions have been coordinated with the owners, and Benatia will stay to ensure continuity in sporting operations until June 2026,” the report added.