MARSEILLE, France (AP) — Ligue 1 club Marseille confirmed Monday the departure of its former president Pablo Longoria, who failed to win titles and bring back stability at the former powerhouse of French soccer.
Arrival and Rise to Presidency
Longoria arrived at the club in 2020 as sporting director and was appointed president less than a year later after angry supporters raided the club's training complex in protest against then-president Jacques-Henri Eyraud.
He initially enjoyed strong support from Marseille fans, securing several major signings and appointing high-profile coaches such as Jorge Sampaoli and Gennaro Gattuso.
Tenure Results
Under his presidency, Marseille reached the semifinals of the Europa Conference League in 2022 and the Europa League in 2024. However, the club failed to perform in the Champions League and did not win a single title.
Longoria was moved aside last month after the departure of coach Roberto De Zerbi, with Alban Juster succeeding him on an interim basis.
The club thanked Longoria for his commitment, passion, and work accomplished over the past six years in service of Marseille.
Club's Historical Struggles
Marseille dominated domestic soccer in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It remains the only French team to win the Champions League before PSG claimed the trophy last year.
The club hasn't won the French league title since 2010 and has not claimed a trophy since the now-defunct League Cup in 2012.
Current Standing
Now coached by Habib Beye, Marseille lost 2-1 at home to Lille over the weekend and sits 11 points behind leader PSG in third place.