Often mentioned since a new crisis broke out in recent days on the side of OM, the leader of the South Winners, Rachid Zeroual, is not unknown to certain journalists.
The tone rose on September 18, during a meeting between the leaders of Olympique de Marseille and representatives of supporters’ associations. So much so that a crisis broke out within the Marseille club. If Marcelino’s departure has, a priori, no link with the affair, the voluntary withdrawal of President Pablo Longoria could well be explained by the virulence mentioned in certain remarks. At the center of this story, the name of Rachid Zeroual comes up regularly. The historic leader of the “South Winners” is in any case talking.
During a chat organized this Thursday on the site The Team, journalist Mathieu Grégoire spoke with Internet users around the subject of the crisis at OM. He was notably questioned about the level of influence of supporter groups in the club. In his response, the permanent correspondent, in turn, mentioned the name of Rachid Zeroual. “ I will answer as objectively as possible. I have been working on OM since May 2009. I have already been targeted by Rachid Zeroual, insulted, expressions that Pablo Longoria would consider death threats.“
“Longoria got to the presidency thanks to them”
Obviously not spared by certain Marseille supporters, Mathieu Grégoire continued. “ I took a South Bend banner or scathing press releases in the teeth and my number was leaked on social media. » However, the journalist recognized one thing: “ I didn’t do them any favors in my investigations either, but I always continued to write about them, in complete freedom, and to contact them (or try to contact them). » As for the influence of the supporters in question in the functioning of the club: “ At this point, I think the Winners, like other groups, have the space and power they’re given.“
A position which would have caused some movements within the club in recent seasons, according to the journalist. “ Two and a half years ago, they brought about the end of the Eyraud era and brought Pablo Longoria to power. (…) He arrived at the presidency thanks to them. Did he lose sight of him afterwards? The relationship quickly deteriorated.“
