In a significant development within French football, Olympique de Marseille (OM) President, Pablo Longoria, has been handed a 15-match ban by the French Football Federation (FFF) following his controversial remarks about corruption in the sport.
The decision comes after Longoria made public statements accusing certain figures within the footballing world of being involved in corrupt practices. The remarks, which were made during a recent interview, were seen as a direct violation of the FFF’s code of conduct, which prohibits the spreading of unverified or defamatory statements that could harm the integrity of the game.
The sanction has caused ripples across French football, as Longoria is a prominent figure in the Ligue 1 club, known for his leadership and ambitious plans for Marseille’s future. The 15-match suspension bars him from attending any official matches or engaging in club-related activities on match days for the duration of the suspension.
In an official statement, the FFF stated: “The French Football Federation has acted swiftly to preserve the reputation of French football. Public accusations that lack substantiation are harmful to the integrity of our competitions and the trust placed in the governance of the sport.”
Longoria, who has overseen significant investments and strategic changes at OM, has expressed regret for his choice of words but has stood by his belief in the need for transparency and reform in football. His remarks, though contentious, were seen by some as an attempt to address long-standing concerns about the governance of the sport at both national and international levels.
Despite the ban, OM's board has issued a statement reaffirming their full support for Longoria. “Pablo remains a central figure in our club's future,” the statement read. “We understand the consequences of his words and will work closely with the league to address the issues raised, but our commitment to long-term success remains unchanged.”