Everyone talks about arbitration… but OM came close to much worse

Published:

By: Manu Tournoux

Everyone talks about arbitration... but OM came close to much worse

Everyone is crying scandal after OM-Atalanta, but the real danger lies elsewhere: Marseille came close to much worse than refereeing injustice.

The refereeing controversy of the OM-Atalanta match (0-1) has occupied the entire Marseille football debate for 48 hours. Éderson’s hand not whistled, refereeing scandal, injustice, theft… Social networks only talk about that. The mayor of Marseille cries shame in the corridors of the VĂ©lodrome. Journalists demand explanations from UEFA. Roberto De Zerbi expresses his legitimate frustration. And yet, a much more worrying reality looms on the horizon.

Behind the controversy, a more worrying reality

While everyone is brandishing the banner of indignation against arbitration, OM has just come close to the unthinkable: its virtual and pure elimination from the 2025-2026 Champions League. Because here is the truth really hidden behind the cries of protest: after only four days of this new league phase, Olympique de Marseille occupies 25th place in the ranking with only 3 points, a position which concretely means: first club eliminated.​

The new format of the Champions League is ruthless and merciless. The first eight places in the ranking go directly to the round of 16. Teams ranked 9 to 24 will go through play-offs in February. But the last twelve? They are eliminated without appeal, without any catch-up phase, without a second chance possible. It’s over. Goodbye Europe, hello reduced finances.​

OM threatened with premature elimination

Mathematically, OM lost 0-1 against Atalanta on Wednesday evening. Sportingly speaking, the club has lost much more: any margin for error. There are exactly four games left to play for Marseille, including an absolutely decisive Newcastle on November 25 at the VĂ©lodrome. With a catastrophic record of 3 points in 4 days, Roberto De Zerbi and his men no longer have any financial or mental luxury.

This is the subject that no one really discusses on the Canebière. While everyone is crying refereeing scandal, while the regional press is brandishing Éderson’s hand, Marseille is dangerously flirting with institutional catastrophe. It is not a contentious arbitration which will eliminate OM from Europe. It will be the glaring absence of victories. And no arbiter in the world can rectify this.

Manu Tournoux

Written by:

Manu Tournoux

Manu Tournoux is a passionate and knowledgeable football enthusiast with a special focus on French football. Born and raised in France, Manu discovered his love for the beautiful game at a young age and developed a deep understanding of the ins and outs of "Le Championnat." His French roots and extensive experience in football journalism have made him an invaluable asset to the French Football Weekly team. As an author for the website, his expertise includes not only in-depth analysis of Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 matches but also insightful profiles of up-and-coming talents, detailed transfer news, and engaging coverage of the French national team. His captivating writing style and undeniable passion for the game have earned him a loyal following among our readers. When he's not crafting engaging articles for French Football Weekly, Manu enjoys attending live matches whenever he can, exploring football culture in various French cities, and engaging in spirited debates with fellow fans.